Friday, April 30, 2010

Rhubarb Strawberry Jam

It's finally rhubarb season. I went out and picked a bunch last night so I could make jam. I got 5 containers made today.  I'll be sharing with my sister, and I'll probably make one more batch and that will last us until next year.
4-5 cups diced rhubarb with a little water
4 cups sugar
1 - 10 oz. package frozen strawberries
1 - 3 oz. package strawberry jello
Cook rhubarb.  Add sugar, jello, and cook 3 minutes.  Add strawberries.  Stir without further cooking.
I store mine in the refrigerator but it can also be sealed with parafin.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Jicama

Several weeks ago the cafe at work was having a catering fare so we could sample the new items on their menu.  Someone was talking about the jicama that was in one of the salads.  I had never even heard of it, but have now purchased one a couple of times.  HyVee has them on sale this week.
This one is about 4 inches but they had them about double the size I picked up.  I peeled it like a potato and then cut into slices.  The texture is kind of like a radish or a kohlrabi but the flavor is sweeter.  They don't lose their crispness when stored in the frig for several days either.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Shopping Trip

Walmart is my least favorite store to shop in, but I broke down today as I needed lunches to take to work when there are no leftovers.  I had been waiting for several weeks for HyVee or Fareway to put SmartOnes on sale but no such luck.  So off to Walmart I went to use up my coupons that expire at the end of the month.
The ice cream was a splurge (but at least it was on sale).  I have a cold and nothings soothes my throat like ice cream.  That's about the only time I ever buy it.  It wasn't the cheapest shopping trip I've ever made for the small number of items I got, but I did have $11.50 worth of coupons that made the trip more bearable.  After that I stopped by HyVee to get the $0.97 strawberries. Hmm...what a great topping for my strawberry ice cream.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Blooms and Bedsheets

Last weekend I decided that I was going to hold off one more week before mowing the lawn.  Well...I didn't make it.  The back was getting too long so I had to get out there.  The front is still looking pretty sad so I left that alone.  Not sure I've ever had to mow before April 15.  My rhododendron is blooming.  This warm weather we've been having sure is making everything bloom ahead of schedule.  Last year it was April 24 before it bloomed.

Warm weather also means it's time to start using the clothesline.  There's nothing better than getting into bed to the smell of line-dried sheets.  It's great to be using the dryer less often.

All of a sudden there are lots of projects to be done outside.  It's a good thing I finished the bathroom and most of Lisa's quilt before the nice weather set in.  I'm sure there'll be some rainy spring days coming and putting the quilt binding on is at the top of the to-do list.  Yes, Lisa, I will finish it before your birthday this fall.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Lisa's Quilt - Part II

I picked Lisa's quilt up from the quilter a few days ago.  It turned out great.  I couldn't be happier with it.  Now I just need to get the binding on it.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Reba and George

I got free tickets to the Reba and George concert last night.  It was fantastic. 

Leann Womack was the opening act.  I didn't know a lot of her songs, but she has an amazing voice.  She did a great job with a Patsy Cline song.  She also had on the highest stilettos I've seen. 

Reba.  What can I say...she's a GREAT performer.  She was my favorite of the night.

Reba - singing Fancy (thanks for the picture Mike)

Lisa and me at the concert.

George

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Tulips

I thought it was daffodils blooming in my garden, but after a closer look there are some yellow tulips mixed in too.  I might have to get more bulbs this fall in some other colors.  I spent some time this morning cleaning out more of the flower beds.  It seems the weeds are taking off already.