Art in the Yard

  We've been doing a lot of painting around here. Sprucing the place up so it looks pretty. Dawn even painted the propane tank that sits outside our kitchen window. It makes me happy to look out and see the bright flowers & swirly sky.

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

   Chocolate Zucchini cake is my favorite. It is moist, chocolaty and delicious. This is a recipe I have been making for years and came from my Mom's recipe stash.
    We have put a new twist on this dessert. Slathered with sweet strawberries and fluffy whipped cream makes this a decadent concoction.

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

 

1/2 Cup Butter

1 3/4 Cup Sugar

1 tsp. Vanilla

1/2 Cup Oil

2 Eggs

1/2 Cup Sour Milk

2 1/2 Cups Flour

1 Tbs. Baking Soda

1/2 tsp. Cloves

4 Tbs. Cocoa

1/2 tsp. Cinnamon

1/2 tsp. Salt

2 Cups Diced Zucchini

1/4 Cup Chopped Nuts

1/4 Cup Semi-Sweet Choc. Chip

 

 

Cream butter, oil & sugar. Add eggs, vanilla & sour milk. Sift dry ingredients. Blend with creamed mixture. Stir in zucchini. Sprinkle with chocolate chips & nuts. Bake in greased & floured 9x13" pan @ 325 for 45 min.

 

When cooled add strawberries, whipped cream & enjoy! 

Wild Flowers

 

 The small packet of wild flower seeds I purchased this spring have started to bloom. I planted them in the middle of the yard where an old stump had been and had to protect them from weed spray & lawn mowers.

   It's fascinating to peer inside of this clump of flowers & spot Bachelor Buttons, Poppies', Babies Breath and many more blooms.

 

What interesting things are growing in your yard?

Birthday Visit

   My Dad and his wife Sharon made the long drive from Oregon to North Dakota to visit for my Birthday. We had a grand time and they got to see new country. We spent a lot of time fishing Antelope lake and had a fish fry one night. Walleye & Perch Yummy!!
      I put Dad to work helping me get the lawns mowed. We had time to relax & reminisce while sitting on the porch sipping a cool drink.

     Dawn, Sharon & I made a trip to Harvey on the fourth of July for face painting at the park, then we came home to prepare for a party.

 

    Dad, Willie & Dawn set up tents and friends arrived for a BBQ, bonfire and fireworks.

We all had a good time!