Toad Stool?

It has been SO hot here in Tennessee. Already in the 90s and 100s in June and early July. Usually, it’s mid-July and August when it gets that hot. I’ve been inside most of the time enjoying our central air, but I have ventured out a little. Two of my grandsons have birthdays in Summer so I have been to one early birthday, a joint birthday and the later birthday will be tonight when the youngest turns three. We also enjoyed a cookout and the city fireworks at my son’s on the Fourth of July. Good food, good company, and good entertainment.  

The animals have been slower to come around too. The birds are busy with nests and babies, the frogs are busy catching bugs, and the turtles have finished laying their eggs and gone back to the river. 

We have seen a mid-size toad who lives under the porch ramp and one, a bit smaller, in the garage. Isn’t he/she cute? 

Garage Toad

Husband has spent some time hiking in the mountains. He got pictures of some nice mushrooms. No toads sitting on them when he got the photos, but you never know, there might be one hiding nearby.

I have also managed to make two Necessary Clutch Wallets and two purses. 

This is the Glennwillow Saddlebag by HolditRightThereBags

The bag below is The Raleigh Bag by me! 

I used repurposed upholstery fabric for the body and a piece from an upholstery sample book for the center panel. Both fabrics were given to me by my friend, Jo Ann. I used quilting cotton for the lining. The ribbon on the back accents the top of the large pocket.

 

The wallet below is the Necessary Clutch Wallet by Emmaline Bags & Sewing Patterns.  The Necessary Clutch Wallet by Emmaline Bags & Sewing Patterns with shoulder and wrist straps and a trio of owls to keep you company.

The feathery inside.

Frog or Dog?

Listen. It’s springtime. Love is in the air, especially with the frogs in the backyard pond. But, is this a frog? 

Nope. It’s my pudgy Pembroke Corgi, Sophie. Snoring. Snoring a lot. Frogs, you’ve been matched by my master impressionist. 

Thank you for listening. Now here are some of my flowers this Spring.

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Cheese, I will miss you.

I’m going dairy-free. At least I’m trying. This will be my first day. I’ve already given up regular milk by using almond milk, but cheese will be my problem. I love cheese. Pizza is one of my favorites. I have a couple of great recipes for pizza crust that is gluten-free and I love a lot of cheese on top. Any suggestions for a replacement or workaround that leaves it out? 

I also like to put a bit of evaporated milk in my oatmeal. I’m sure I can find a replacement for it, but I’m not eating oatmeal just now since I’m on a diet plan that includes a protein shake for breakfast. Maybe an almond milk alternative. 

I also eat a lot of yogurt. Vanilla honey Greek yogurt is my favorite. I’ll probably replace it with chia pudding, which I love too. I can’t get the grandkids to eat it. I’ve found that some cinnamon and vanilla liquid stevia makes it just right. 

Are you dairy-free? What are your favorite hacks?