Thistle get ya

On May 24, 2021May 19, 2021 By CarynIn Flora

I quite like thistles. I like the symmetry and aesthetics of the blooms, as well as the nice complementary color scheme. I’m not so found of walking through prickly vegetation or wrenching the thorny stems and leaves from the lawn, but on the edge of a meadow with the forest background, they are quite lovely. I particularly like the curly leafed thistle because the foliage is slightly silvery. The thistle pictured, though, is probably a Texas thistle. Also still pleasing and since it is growing out on the edge away from walk ways, it can continue it’s lovely prickly existence. Here is an interesting post about native and invasive thistles in Texas.

Bee well

On May 23, 2021 By CarynIn Wildlife

There was a little honey bee crawling around in our back yard. I was concerned for his safety (I think it may be a drone, large eyes and no stinger), so I moved it outside the fenced area and away from the dog’s feet (and noses). I did offer him some sugar water, but he wasn’t interested. Good luck finding what you are looking for little bee!

Not my regular rolls

On May 22, 2021May 18, 2021 By CarynIn Bread

I tried knot rolls this time, using the same simple bread recipe that Paul Hollywood uses for his eight strand plaited loaf. They tasted really good; chewy crust with a soft center! The knot was a simple overhand knot with the end tucked in. However my sizes were all over place, so I’m giving you a picture of the best roll, both before and after baking. Know though, that this was not typical. I’m not trying to prove myself; it’s a knotty problem to share but also to keep it real, so I will try to rise to the occasion in words, but not provide photographic proof. (I’m on a roll with these puns! And I’m done now.)

Red columbine

On May 21, 2021May 18, 2021 By CarynIn Flora

This spring we planted some red columbines to go with the yellow columbines. The idea is to have a little glade of multi-color columbines under the front trees, since the yellow variety like it so much out there. The blooms on these two color columbines are more downward facing, like little chandeliers. Hm.

Skinny shirt

On May 20, 2021May 19, 2021 By CarynIn Craft, Life Hack

I know skinny t-shirts are a thing, but there are times when they are too skinny! My eldest has a favorite print shirt that fits this category, and drives her crazy when it rides up. We did look for a larger size, but it has been a few years since she received it as a gift. To fix it, I found a thin knit fabric that matched the weight of the shirt (and coordinated with the print), then picked out the side seams all the way up, including the sleeve seam. Using a different, well-fitted shirt as a guide, I cut 3” strips of the new fabric and sewed them in using the jersey stitch on my sewing machine.