Making my peace with storms.

 

🌿Until recently i’ve never consciously thought much about storms; I just made my peace with them over the years. Rain, snow, even wind storms — they rejuvenate the ecology and they rejuvenate me. They are part and driver of the natural rhythm of things. But ice storms? No. Ice storms dent things and break things, and I’ve never felt obliged to make peace with that kind of weather. 

 Weather cycles are changing storms are getting more powerful, more frequent. Is this a global warming at work, or an anomonly ?

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 Have to say i respect storms, they are dangerous, they are also beautiflu, rejuvination, thrilling and scary, and a big part of survival for all living things.

o beautiful

 We, have had a great many storms lately. once i was awakened by thunder sounding like the roar of a volcano, to watch the streaks of fierce electric spiderwebs across the sky, rain that pelts the roof of this ancient house and it pours past the windows, like so many waterfalls. More water, something we really didn't need. This has been one humid and rainy summer and my tomato plants are just not pleased because of that. Nor am i!!

Rainstorms do refresh the soil and keep the greenery growing, thus lowering the risk of fire. The "Dust Bowl' which was caused, in part,by the use of damaging farming practices began in 1930 and was made even worse by the droughts which followed, leaving large areas of ground with no vegetation to prevent the wind from using the loose soil to scour the bare ground. 

Lightening fixes the nitrogen to the soil, it also free up nitrogen that is carried to the ground by rain.


Snow covers the ground keeping the soil from drying that can cause heaving that will up root trees and plants, causing perenial plant roots, tubers and bulbs to become exposed thus damaging and possibly killing them. This works for both domestic and wild growing trees and vegitation. Snow melt also releases the nitrogen it collects from falling thru the air into the soil. they don't call it a blanket of snow for no reason as it is also used tomoderate the temperature of the soil also impor, tant to the overwintering tree bulbs and perenials. and lets not forget it breaks down organic materials returning thier nutrients to the soil.


Wind storms, are invigorating, to some, like me who just like to lean on the wind and or fly kites. It is not fiction, but spring winds do strengthen tree limbs using the prosess called

thigmomorphogenesis,the wind is sorta  causing the tree to strech it's muscles, actually limb strength, thuse i limb joints, making the wood denser, it causes "reaction wood growth"branch joint stimulating root strength as the tree moves with the wind, also tree and limb girth.  wind also slows the vertical growth of trees.

 

 Storms, snow storms, winter storms....brrrrrrr.

Ice storms, really do have a place, Nature is like that. Yes, it really is! Must admit it took me awhile to find a use for them, but it urns out there are many. Wind storms churn the atmospher, , scatter seeds and prune damaged, dying and diseased tree limbs. though it may appear as destruction, it can help a tree survive and or open up the canopy  for new trees to thrive.

 

 

Snow, wind, rain,sleet, wind and i must admit grudgeingly that even ice storms have thier place. would that that place was far, far, from me.

From grandma's Kitchen....cowboy butter

  So Cowboy Butter isn't something you were likely to find  Grandmas kitchen, way back then. Well may-be if she was a creative cook or grandma was trying to get a picky eater to eat  more nutritious foods by slathering them with butter.  Flavored butter was not unheard of then, but more about that later.  This is definitely  not an old family recipe, but it is a tasty one.   .  Both of my Grandmothers made butter and there was always real, homemade butter on the table.   I have memories of butter flavored with maple syrup, Karo, cinnamon, dill, and black pepper.  Each flavor had it's use.  Each flavor went with specific foods, black pepper with radishes, maple with flapjacks, dill with potatoes.  You get the idea.
Oh and this is based on an article, "from Southern Living" i think, they always have such good recipes! that was sent to me asking if i had ever heard of flavored butter....Yes, I have!   But you knew/guessed that.

 What Is Cowboy Butter?Cowboy Butter is a type of compound butter, which is a mixture of herbs, spices, and butter, formed into a roll and then sliced.Cowboy butter can also be melted and mixed with all these ingredients for a dip. However, mixing it with butter and forming it into a log makes it easier to make ahead and have this flavorful butter ready for dinner.It's the perfect pairing for a grilled ribeye steak, roasted potatoes, or roast beef sliders. But we wouldn't be opposed to eating a smear on baguette or fresh radishes.

Ingredients in Cowboy Butter

Our recipe for cowboy butter calls for butter, garlic, parsley, chives, smoked paprika, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper.

If you want a little more heat, use cayenne in place of the crushed red pepper. Coarse mustard provides a stronger flavor and texture in place of Dijon.

Once you make cowboy butter for the first time, you can mix and match the other ingredients to create one you and your family love. Compound butters are very forgiving and great for creativity. They're also a fun way to use up surplus herbs and spices in a unique way.

Credit: 

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Temperature Tip

Though this recipe is super simple, it’s easiest to make when the butter is at room temperature, so plan ahead a bit and leave your butter on the counter for about an hour (depending on your home's heat).

How To Serve Cowboy Butter

You can use it to top grilled steaks, chicken, fish fillets, and vegetables. Cowboy Butter also makes a fantastic garlic bread spread, or melt it for a dip.

Consider using it in sliders like these French Dip Sliders for a certain special something on a classic appetizer. It would be fantastic spread on a hamburger, too.

Can I Make Cowboy Butter Ahead of Time? 

You can keep it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for 6 months.

Can You Freeze Butter?,  Yes, it freezes pretty well, but must, MUST, MUST!!! be securely wrapped so it doesn't  get freezer burnt or pick up any off flavors.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (4 oz.) unsalted butter, at room temperature

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

• 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives

• 1 tsp. smoked paprika

• 1 tsp. lemon zest, from 1 lemon

• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard

• Pinch crushed red pepper

• 1 tsp. salt

• 1/2 tsp. black pepper

Directions

1. Stir the butter and other ingredients together:

   In a bowl, add the butter, garlic, parsley, chives, paprika, lemon zest, mustard, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

   

   Credit: 

   Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

   Mix together with a spatula or wooden spoon until well combined.

   

   Credit: 

   Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

   You can also prepare this in a stand mixer or food processor.

2. Shape and chill:

   Transfer the butter mixture to a large sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper.

   

   Credit: 

   Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

   Roll the butter into a log shape, pressing and shaping as you go. Twist the ends of the wrap or paper together (like a piece of candy) until very taut and uniform in shape.

   

   Credit: 

   Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

   Refrigerate the butter for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the shape to hold.

   

   Credit: 

   Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

3. Get ready to use:To use, remove the butter from the refrigerator, and cut it into slices. Top grilled meats and seafood, steamed vegetables or grains, or spread onto bread and broil.  

    Enjoy!

    

    

 

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Baked beans, a new cookbook, and Teddy Roosevelt, on a chill and rainy August day

There are few meals as homey as baked beans, a little bacon, if you like, bread fresh from the oven and  a tall mug of coffee.  The perfect meal for the approaching seasons.  Nina Elder and Melissa Kinfic created a cook book filled with recipes they tested and researched.  Sixty three recipes  for the 63 National Parks.  Thank you so much for your work!   
Especially appreciate the "make it your own" advice.   Recipes, whenever possible, should reflect the likes and dislike of those who cook them and those they cook them for.

 

 ashia aubourg

This Recipe From the 1920s Will Change the Way You Make Baked Beans

Why settle for using just one legume?

During the early 1900s, travelers journeyed to Yellowstone for one popular dish. No, it wasn’t a bison burger or pan-fried trout. Instead, it was a humble side dish served at the Old West Dinner Cookout at Wyoming’s Roosevelt Lodge, which opened in 1920.

At the lodge, eager travelers raced to try the signature Roosevelt Baked Beans. These were not typical baked beans made with navy beans. They included four different beans, including one unusual staple: lima beans.

Meet the Women Who Figured Out What 63 National Parks Taste Like

I could understand loading up on legumes before a physical adventure like Yellowstone, but I wondered whether adding so many beans would turn this iconic dish into something entirely different. Still intrigued, I decided to test the recipe from the new " National Geographic National Parks Cookbook," out now. Below, you will find a step-by-step guide for making these 106-year-old beans, along with tips to make them even better.

How To Make These 106-Year-Old Roosevelt Baked Beans

1. Place a large pot over medium heat. Add 8 ounces of ground beef and 8 ounces of bacon and sauté until the beef is browned and the bacon is crisp.
2. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef and bacon mixture to a plate. Drain all drippings from the pot except for 1 tablespoon.
3. Add 1 finely chopped onion to the pot with the reserved drippings. Sauté, stirring often, until the onion softens, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir the remaining ingredients into the pot: 1 (16-ounce) can of pork and beans, 1 (15-ounce) can of kidney beans, 1 (15-ounce) can of lima beans, 1 (15-ounce) can of butter beans, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of spicy brown mustard, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the bean mixture, stirring occasionally, until it thickens, about 1 hour. Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired.

Recipe courtesy of "National Geographic National Parks Cookbook."

How To Make Roosevelt Baked Beans Your Own

I usually lean on navy beans for classic baked beans, so I was hesitant at first about how this dish would turn out with four different kinds of beans. The result was delicious. The flavor was slightly different, thanks to the variety of beans, each bringing its own unique taste, but I loved the extra heartiness they added. Below are a few tips to try if you decide to make it in your kitchen.

• Add molasses. Replace the brown sugar with molasses to give the beans a rich, caramelized sweetness. This addition also adds a subtle smoky flavor.
• Splash in bourbon. A splash of bourbon infuses the beans with warm, smoky, and caramel-like notes, adding depth to the dish.
• Infuse aromatics. This recipe relies on sautéed onions as the main aromatic, but adding a bay leaf or fresh thyme will add earthy flavors to round out these beans.

 

haiku, a painted sky

 

 

 the clouds! like a painting

 this sunset beyond the trees 

colors float, sun sets

Me, the Farmer's Almanac , and the full moon of July of 2026

 

 First of all let me say that The Farmers Almanac has become , a favorite "yard sale find", next only to insulators.

Though July will always be the 'firefly moon' to me, i must admit i have seen more than the usual number of young bucks, and does with fawns  browsing along the greenery where lawn meets the deep woods, not sure why there have been so many this year, perhaps because of the late summer, certainly not because of the nearly non existent berry crop.... 

 

 

July 2026: Full Buck Moon, Summer Gardens, Meteor Showers, and Midsummer Weather Lore

by Tim Konrad Updated: July 1, 2026

July is high summer in full swing. Gardens are heavy with vegetables, fireflies glow after dusk, thunderstorms rumble on humid afternoons, and warm evenings invite us outdoors long after supper. In 2026, July also brings a special patriotic milestone: the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4.

Moon Phases for July 2026

All times below are listed in Eastern Daylight Time.

• Last Quarter Moon: Tuesday, July 7, 3:29 p.m.
• New Moon: Tuesday, July 14, 5:43 a.m.
• First Quarter Moon: Tuesday, July 21, 7:05 a.m.
• Full Buck Moon: Wednesday, July 29, 10:36 a.m.

The July Full Moon reaches peak illumination during the morning hours in North America, so the best time to enjoy it will be after sunset on Wednesday, July 29, and again on Thursday, July 30, when the Moon will still appear nearly full.

Why Is It Called the Full Buck Moon? 

July’s Full Moon is traditionally known as the Buck Moon because this is the season when antler groth is most dramatic when antlers grow rapidly covered with 'velvet' which  contains, nerves and bloodvessels which nourish a the antlers as they grow.  While the antlers are still in velvet they are composed  of cartilage, which turns to bone.

 

The full moon of July has many names, including the Buck Moon, with alternative names including Thunder Moon, Hay Moon, and Wort Moon. 

So on this this evening, a cloudy one at that, i an watching the skyline waiting to catch a glimpse of the waxing gibbous moon in the southeast.   
Good night and peaceful slumbers to all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Christmas in july!!!!

Christmas in July, it sometimes make me wonder about many things. One of the most perplexing is how Sasquatch came to be a part of a holiday that some believe started as advertising  for an Australian Ski Lodge.   

 

Another story i find totaly charming is that of a Sasquatch who rescued a Postmaster who went out to find the Postal vehicle  that was laden with gifts for the people in his town and got lost .

I don't know if the two ever met, but the thoughtful Squatch did make a path for the postmaster to follow home with the gifts and cards. 

 

 

• Summer memories — “When the summer sun finally shows up in the North, what’s the first thing you two like to do together?” 

  SON-i go with dad down to the creek and catch crayfish. 

• Holiday meaning — “In your own words, what does Christmas in July mean to your family?”

  DAD- that's an easy one, We decorate the house and sing, then the night before we BBQ, and sing songs and wait for Santa to fly over in his plane and drop gifts to us.  And leave out some food for the hungry Campers who tromp thru the wood scaring the game, they are usually pretty hungry.

• Father–son bond — “How does celebrating in July bring the two of you closer?”
  SON- Dad gets time off from his job, he pulls trees out of the ground and then plants them upside down, because the tourists think they are special. I don't like them because the trees don't have any leaves on them anymore.

• Traditions — “Do you have any special Christmas‑in‑July traditions that only squatches would
  understand?”Yah. and except for this story, Try this link, its sorta like an advertisement.

I-generated image created with Microsoft Copilot, July 2026. 

 

 

 

 

 

Grandma's kitchen, "Oh my! It's Chocolate pie!"

I hope you will try this recipe, click on the word - link - below  to watch a remarkable  lady in action preparing this pie.   

So tasty and really if you  have any doubts about  your pie crust making skills, like i do.  Notice that a pie shell was used, but it is OK to make your own pie crust if you prefer to do so.  
Try this recipe and enjoy the video! 

Jimmy Huckaby

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This is for anyone who ever had my late grandmother's chocolate pie. I filmed her making it on her 100th birthday. If you want to make it yourself below is the recipe and Ruby Huckaby will show you how its done.

 

Recipe

1 cup sugar

1/3 cup flour

3 tbsp. cocoa

1/4 tsp. salt

3 eggs

1 sm. can evaporated milk

1 cup of water

1 tsp. vanilla

1 baked pie shell

Mix sugar, flour, salt and cocoa. Add milk to the dry ingredients.

When moistened, add egg yolks alternately. Add water; mix well,

put in double boiler and cook until thickened. Pour into baked

pie shell. Use egg whites for meringue. 

 

if you would like to see the video

  https://www.facebook.com/reel/10202558011972924

click 

 link