Homemade Blueberry Chutney and more . . .

Believe it or not, we still have blueberries to pick each day. That always gets me thinking about new ways to use them.

Last week it occurred to me that a Blueberry Chutney might be good.

So, I gave it a try!

All the ingredients were here so it was meant to be.

While the chutney was cooking I made a sweet treat.

Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake.

The cake(s) and the chutney finished about the same time.

From our blueberry bushes to the table, we enjoyed the sweetness of our berries in this delightful chutney.

It paired quite well with our grilled fish and mango salsa!!

In fact, it is also tasty by the spoonful as well.

{ Just saying  😉 }

May your day be as peaceful as this tiny hummingbird at rest in our back yard.

Fire Pit Progress & more!

First, a look at our flowers.

Our hydrangeas are so big they have fallen over.

But no matter, they are still just as pretty.

They all used to be traditional hydrangea blue but over the years some of them have changed color and are so pretty. 

And the clematis over our gate has had lots of beautiful flowers as well. 

 The other yard news is that Mr. Wonderful has finally finished rebuilding the rock wall that is next to the new fire pit benches!

It was not as easy as one might think, especially for one person.

It took several attempts but it finally came together. YAY!!

The lavender will need some time to fill in after being tied up for so long.

One step closer to finishing this project. The last big step is to prep and put the finish on the new cement benches. That should be happening soon if all goes well.

Happy Friday!

Firepit Makeover Update

The new Rock Retaining Wall is close to completion. 

Some of the large rocks on the sides still need to be put back in place,

however, the back wall above and below the new cement seat is finished.

The cement seat though, still needs to be completed, however, it will not take nearly as long. 

Once the cement bench is complete . . . 

. . . the fire pit cover is weathered and needs a little attention so will be refinished or remade,

the inside needs updating and the brick skirt will also be washed and coated with a protectant. Then we will be ready to build some fires again!

Also, at the same time our front yard is getting an update.

It needs new grass and new, updated flower beds. 

So the projects continue and I will be back soon to report on our progress. 

Happy Monday!

Chicken Fried Rice

Remember this? 

It is our leftover rice from Wednesday nights dinner. The hubs planned ahead and made extra so that we would have enough for another stir~fry. 

This time it was Chicken Stir Fried Rice.

We used a whole chicken so that we would have some left for another meal. 

Always a Good Idea! 

😉

It was delicious!!!

Also, while the hubs was on the patio cooking I was pulling weeds and watering a few pots of flowers and noticed this Yellow Faced Bumble Bee resting on a Tomato leaf. I am guessing she must have been taking a little break after a very Buzzy Day!

Have a BEE~utiful Sunday!

Gracious words are a honeycomb,
    sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. 

Proverbs 16:24

Small Wings Big World

And just like that, they're gone!

Two days ago, while we were eating lunch outside, we watched Mama Bird nudge her babies to the edge of the nest and one by one they tumbled out. We have never witnessed anything like it. Needless to say, it was fascinating to watch. 

The landing was a bit hard however the mama was very attentive. It took some time for the babies to become steady and start to explore their new surroundings. 

While the baby birds were busy exploring and learning how to find food, this Flame Skimmer Dragon Fly (?) was buzzing back and forth the length of our back yard. Not just once or twice but many times before he would fly away, only to come back and start the routine all over again. 

He has not been back since, as far as we know.

Later, when I checked on the baby birds, they were hopping all over the place. 

Even near the water.

There were other birds around too.

They finally made it around to the driveway.

And eventually up to the front yard where our front yard update is currently underway.

We will miss the birds!

And that's a wrap on another incredible year of feathers and flight!

• A picture perfect end to the day.

Happy Saturday!