The Photo That Almost Ruined My Day!

Well, after picking 25 or so pounds of berries this morning, I just had to get a picture of my beautiful irises before they expired. I put the berries on the stove to make a batch of jam---which was just about to reach a boil. I knew I had just a few moments to get the shot of the irises with the morning light just right. I stepped out just for a second to take a few shots. When I came back in, you guessed it, the pot was boiling all over the stove top and dripping down the sides. UGHHH!!!

In a panic I rushed to turn everything off and try to get the goop off the stove top. I could not imagine what it would become once it cooled and got hard. As I was rushing around, I tripped over the trashcan which was full of strawberry hulls and juice. That flew across the floor, landing up under the dinning table. The cat ran to hide. At this point I did not know whether to laugh or cry. As I screamed a few choice words I thought, hum....Smucker's isn't that expensive after all.

Needless to say strawberries were everywhere! Tom came in to help and asked, "what the hell happened in here?" I told him it was all because of those damned iris!! He asked "what do irises have to do with what looks like a strawberry bomb going off in the kitchen?" I said I would explain later. He just walked away shaking his head.

I think I'll call this batch "Granny T's mother f-----king strawberry jam!" I wonder if I really put that on the label if anyone would notice. I think I just might!

The Beauty of North Georgia!

We have the most amazing place to play.

If you are ever in the North Georgia mountains and like to ride, our trail system is some of the best in the world. The trail pictured here is Brush Creek which is near the Ocoee Whitewater Center, where the 1996 Olympics were held. You climb a slow grind 7 miles up and if you like 7 miles back down. If you'd rather not do the return you can opt to take the quick jaunt down the highway back to the parking lot.

All the wonderful outdoor activities availble here make me so grateful that we have had this given to us to use as we like. It also makes me think about ways in which I can keep it beautiful for generations to come. I want my grandchildren and their children to ride these trails someday. My hope is that they will look the same way then as they do today.

I got published for peeing standing up!

The one and only time I have ever been mentioned in an article and it had to be about peeing standing up! My husband and I ride mountain bikes, hike, river raft, camp out and all those wonderful things just out our front door here in North Georgia. Needless to say, toilets are never available for those activities. I was curious so I bought a "Go-Girl" online. They contacted me on Facebook about an interview so I did it. I'll shut up and let you read it here: http://www.thestate.com/health/story/765309.html

A Day On The Trail!

Tom and I rode our mountain bikes today. The weather was perfect for it. I just marvel at this beautiful place we call Earth. All sorts of plants and flowers were popping up since the fires. The streams were running full force and you could hear all kinds of birds calling throughout the woods. It makes me want to take care to disturb as little as possible and just enjoy. I felt very appreciative and full when the ride was over. We are so blessed to have this all right outside our door.

Help!!!!! Those loveable Honey Bees!

My neighbor has several honey bee hives. They have taken a liking to my koi pond for their water source. I can't even enjoy going out there on a hot day as they are swarming all over. I know how important these little critters can be to our environment so I don't want to do anything to hurt them........just make them go somewhere else!

I have tried running the sprinkler.....no use. I have tried citranila candles around the pond.......nope still here, I have placed cloves of garlic where they drink....all to no avail. The only thing I have accomplished, possibly is garlic flavored honey. A friend of mine who happens to be a "fish doctor" (yes there really are fish doctors) said it was a compliment to my water quality since bees only like fresh water.

If anyone out there knows of a way to repel the bees without harming them or my fish, please share! I will try anything natural. No chemicals or pesticides please!

I will keep you posted,

Green Tip Swap

Hello all you Greenies! I have created this blog site as a way for us all to swap green tips, hints or how tos! Whether it is household chores, laundry, baby care or washing the car - I am sure someone out there has a great tip to keep it green. I am kind of a newbie to the "going green" thing so I need all the help I can get.

I am in desperate need of doing bleach-free laundry. I hate the idea of putting bleach into our waterways.

Share your green tip or hint on bleach-free laundry. If you would like to share any other helpful green tips or how tos, please feel free to post them here.