Joy in the Little Things

[ducks4you]

'Tis all a myth that Autumn grieves,
For, watch the rain among the leaves;
With silver fingers dimly seen
It makes each leaf a tambourine.
–Samuel Minturn Peck, American poet (1854–1938)

 

[ducks4you]

O suns and skies and flowers of June,
Count all your boasts together,
Love loveth best of all the year
October's bright blue weather.
–Helen Hunt Jackson, American poet (1830–85)

 

[Phaedra]

We went to Cologne and met a friend today, so I ordered a Too Good to Go from a Hotel buffet breakfast. We need to bring our own containers - after breakfast time is officially over (11 am), we can go inside and pick whatever we want. Most of the time, the buffet breakfast is similar in many hotels, so I prepared some containers and paper bags last night.

Here are what we picked, and the food cost 3 Euros, fresh and good quality, very satisfying.

DH and I found a park and enjoyed some of the food. Next time, we will pick the breakfast again from the same hotel and then go for a picnic.

 

[Phaedra]

Dinnerplate Dahlia 'Islander'

For Dinnerplate Dahlia, it's really better to remove the main stem. Even I did so, the flowers were still quite large.

 

[Rhodie Ranch]

I have yellow ones but they only last a couple of days in water.

 

[digitS']

Yes.

Dahlias don't have much of a vase-life.

With many varieties, it takes only a few to make a sizable bouquet! And, if you have several plants, there will be lots of flowers and bouquets through their bloom season .

Steve

 

[Marie2020]

I tried Thomas Keller's recipe for making Madeleine, and the result is satisfying.
View attachment 52836
But my molds are much smaller than normal ones, each piece is only 13~14g instead of 25~30g.
View attachment 52837
So, I tried different ways to decorate them. Practices make perfect? Nah, practices and sharing make perfect. I prepared some for the neighbors and some for DH to bring for good colleagues.
View attachment 52838

View attachment 52839

Ours are ready, too.
View attachment 52840

The entire house smells like a dream now.

Now you have got my attention big time

 

[Marie2020]

i should have reversed those comments, as in i meant how to keep the Madeleine's edges crispy...




i know! however, in recent times i've managed to restrain myself enough that i no longer ask Mom to hide the chocolate from me.

How on earth did you manage that? I'd have to be in a padded cell to stop me from eating chocolate when I get the urge and trust me when I say no padded cell would stop me

 

[flowerbug]

How on earth did you manage that? I'd have to be in a padded cell to stop me from eating chocolate when I get the urge and trust me when I say no padded cell would stop me

because we have probably at least 15 lbs of chocolate here with most of that being good Belgian milk chocolate. if i couldn't restrain or crontrol myself it would be a major problem. i have one or two squares a day depending upon how active i've been. today i could eat a dozen but i just had homemade tapioca pudding for dinner so i'm happy with that. using good vanilla and a bit less sugar than the recipe on the box called for and it is perfect. as the threat title says...

 

[Marie2020]

because we have probably at least 15 lbs of chocolate here with most of that being good Belgian milk chocolate. if i couldn't restrain or crontrol myself it would be a major problem. i have one or two squares a day depending upon how active i've been. today i could eat a dozen but i just had homemade tapioca pudding for dinner so i'm happy with that. using good vanilla and a bit less sugar than the recipe on the box called for and it is perfect. as the threat title says...

I haven't been able too find tapioca here for many years however there is the tin and even that is rare but you really can't beat the homemade pudding like my aunt used too make in her oven.
I used to make it myself with cinnamon and butter sprinkled on top.

My aunt used nutmeg but I really loved it with cinnamon best.

I'd be tempted to add honey and a little less sugar

Sometimes if I drink coco that holds me back from chocolate but I have to admit I would have to search your house upside down for that Belgian choccy. I'd be just like a sniffer dog.