My Weekend in a Nutshell

This picture makes you think I just sat in a pretty chair all weekend doesn't it? Au contrare! I wanted to show you these chairs. They used to be dark green, all faded and ready for the trash. Inspired by Jennifer at Farmgirl Follies, I had a can, and I had a plan. Krylon makes spray paint for plastic. This is the Classic Burgundy color. I think it makes a nice pop in the yard. I found those pillows down in my basement stash of 'things I'll do something with someday'.

I'm planning on sewing new covers for them out of this fabric, that was found in the same stash. I think the red stripe will compliment the chairs nicely.

Remember my window dilemma? Well...I've opted to have them open for the better part of the day, closed at night (if I remember to do it!). It's a southern exposure, so I do get the light. Too bad I don't know how to take a decent picture, you could see how pretty the stained glass windows look.

I used old vintage hooks as curtain tie backs. They are a little 'tight' for my liking, so I'll have to be on the lookout for bigger ones. I absolutely love old hardware. I can hear some of your gasps now....'she drilled holes in the woodwork!'. Yep, I did.

This ...this right here is what almost killed me this weekend. I single-handedly put in these clothes poles. I still have to paint them the color they will be. My house colors are cream, tan and olive green. What color should I paint them? I thought of painting them something crazy like electric blue...

I never in my life had so much trouble digging two holes. I got about 4 inches down on one and almost gave up. I filled it with water, and just worked and worked on it. I almost cried...isn't that ridiculous? It was SO HARD! Then I got mad.....and for anyone that really knows me...if you get me MAD, I could possibly do anything, even if it's not humanly possible. I was determined if I had to use a teaspoon I would get this done. The cement work was actually fun to me. I moved in about a half ton of soil in that area yesterday too, in order to even out some spots. I'm hoping I can get a little grass to grow before it's too late this year.

I have great dreams of morning glories climbing up those clothes poles, and me in my apron, flapping in the breeze, hanging clothes in the sunlight. Sigh.

Yesterday, I made this incredible Cheddar Corn Chowder. It's from Ina Garten. I have a bit of a girl crush on that lady. Every recipe I've tried of hers, I love. I got all of her cookbooks from the library, and I'm pouring over them.

I used fresh corn from the farmstand. I don't know what it is, but the last few batches of corn I've bought have been the sweetest I've ever tasted. Oh...and you are right...that is bacon on the top. Be still my heart.

This pic just cracked me up. The steam from the soup fogged up the lens. It reminds me of a dream. Sadly enough, this is the stuff I would dream about.....bacon and potatoes.

Here's the recipe for the soup. If you still have sweet corn available where you live, please give it a go. I'm thinking some frozen corn would be good as well.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces bacon, chopped
• 1/4 cup good olive oil
• 6 cups chopped yellow onions (4 large onions)
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 12 cups chicken stock
• 6 cups medium-diced white boiling potatoes, unpeeled (2 pounds)
• 10 cups corn kernels, fresh (10 ears) or frozen (3 pounds)
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 8 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, grated

Directions

In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, cook the bacon and olive oil until the bacon is crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and reserve. Reduce the heat to medium, add the onions and butter to the fat, and cook for 10 minutes, until the onions are translucent.

Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, and turmeric and cook for 3 minutes. Add the chicken stock and potatoes, bring to a boil, and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. If using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cob and blanch them for 3 minutes in boiling salted water. Drain. (If using frozen corn you can skip this step.) Add the corn to the soup, then add the half-and-half and cheddar. Cook for 5 more minutes, until the cheese is melted. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Serve hot with a garnish of bacon.

And here is a chicken picture.....just cause.