I didn't do anything...

 It snowed again.  Nothing major, just enough to take the wind out of your sails. I had a long week at work and to be honest I really didn't do anything this weekend. 

It did finally melt and my little wild tulips poked out to say hello!

It's hard to not be doing something,  but once in awhile a person just needs to relax.

Did you have a productive weekend?  Is it hard for you to relax?

Honey do...

 Another busy weekend.  Worked on my log planter idea. Completed a project for my husband.  Gardened and got ready to garden. Racked and bottled some wine. Took the dog for numerous runs, none of which tired him out. I, on the other hand, am exhausted.

The log planter is shaping up.  I did a lot of sanding.  I'm still working on rounding out the inside so a pot will fit in the middle.  Funny thing is a few years ago while taking my noon walk at work, I found the best chisel/crowbar in the ditch.  It was like new and works like a charm to remove bark and shape the inside.  Finders keepers and the loser I'm sure is weeping. 

The project for my husband was to braid a turkey beard hanger.  It is no secret we enjoy having company during spring turkey hunting.  This is a place for people to keep their memories.  The internet is a great place to find ideas.  He showed me one and asked if I could make something like it.  It took me a few tries, but I figured out a way to make it work.  Creating new things is always a fun challenge.  It is also nice to cross things off of HIS honey do list:)

I was a little frustrated two weeks ago when the crocuses came up.  I was certain I had planted a bunch, but not many were showing.  I was afraid I had imagined planting them.  Lo and behold a bunch more came up this week.  Thank goodness.  I was afraid the bulbs were in the same place as the missing mosquito repellent and seed starter lids.  

This weekend we had to go to the farmer supply store.  What did I see, but this metal planter I've been eyeing on the internet for a few years.  I just couldn't bring myself to pay $200 for a planter.  Well, I'll be danged if this one wasn't on sale for $89.  I was so excited.  Of course, my sweet husband quickly got the last one.  Crossing things off of his honey do list pays off.  

The planter was a bit deeper than I would need.  That was easily fixed utilizing the hügelkultur method.  This is a form of composting that utilizes woody waste to retain soil moisture and fertilizer. Logs are placed in the bottom of the planter or plant bed.  The layer with rough compost. In my case I had some alfalfa, but you can use leaves.  Then you top everything with a layer of fine compost. The nitrogen rich additives will heat up sooner and as they break down will improve soil fertility.  This is my new herb garden.  I will fill it with my basil, rosemary, parsley, sage, thyme, lemon balm and chives.  I can't plant it yet, as I'm sure we have cold days ahead.

I bottled the pear wine.  Why it is purple?  I have no idea.  The pears were completely green.  It is a very smooth wine.  Normally my pear wine is extremely high alcohol content.  Again, no idea why.  I don't think this batch is as potent.  As you may have observed from this paragraph, I'm not the most scientific of winemakers.  It sure looks pretty.

Dollor was unstoppable this weekend.  I don't know how many walks I took him on.  He finally laid down when he reached my husband's plowed ground.  He found the cool earth refreshing.  I took him home and had to tie him up while I was outside.  He wouldn't stop chasing the chipmunks.  I thought I had forced him to relax.  Then I looked over and he had dug a hole in the lawn and was proud as can be relaxed and laying on the cool earth.  Needless to say, I wasn't as happy as he was.  

  That was a short weekend.  I still had things I wanted to do, but they will wait for another day.  

What did you do this weekend?  What is your favorite planter?  I hope your spring days were as nice as ours.  

Project weekend...

 It was a busy weekend. We tried some new recipes, built some birdfeeders, gave Dollor a bath, and did some cleaning.  My seedlings are making good progress.  A friend at work told me to save my tomato seeds on a napkin. Then just tearing of a piece of the napkin and planting it.  As you can see below it worked a little too well.  I have a plethora of tomato seedlings.  

The basil is up, as is my pumpkins, squash, and melons.  All that is left is my rosemary and pokey peppers.  You may think it is early, but they will do fine in the greenhouse.  

In honor of spring and the Easter holiday, I tried making a lemon cream pie and it was fabulous.  

Lemon Cream Pie

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted

For the Lemon Filling:

• 1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
• 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step No.1: Make the Crust

• In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture into a 9-inch pie pan, covering the bottom and sides evenly. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.

Step No.2: Prepare the Lemon Filling

• In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and well combined.

Step No.3: Assemble the Pie

• Pour the lemon filling into the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step No.4: Chill the Pie

• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until set.

Step No.5: Garnish and Serve

• Top with whipped cream and lemon slices before serving. Slice and enjoy!
• NO BAKE LEMON PIE RECIPE - Forfoodiefriends 

I have wanted to make a peanut butter feeder forever.  This weekend was the perfect time to get it done. It snowed on Saturday and it was cold and breezy.  I couldn't find any plans on the internet, but it couldn't be that hard.  Well, maybe it couldn't be.  Measure twice cut once is not my motto.  My husband came to my rescue after I cut the wrong end and had to start all over again.     

The boards are:

3 x 4 1/2

4 x 4 1/2

6 x 6 1/2

7 x 6 1/2

8 wood screws and a little dowl 

As you can see there is a little jar of chunky peanut butter fit in there perfectly.  I painted the roof forest green.  I can't wait to put it up.  I've been wanting to make them forever.  That might be how long it would have taken me to make it if my husband hadn't stepped in and helped me.  

Poof and then just like that the weekend was over.  It was fun, but way too short.

Did you try any new recipes this weekend?  Was it a busy holiday weekend?  I hope you were able to enjoy your time with family.