Fledglings, Flowers, and Bread Pudding

Candy transplanted a Lilly plant to us about three years ago. The first year was nothing then last year it bloomed about two flowers. This year it has gone gangbusters! Several smaller flowers then a huge stalk sprouting 5-7 large lillies! And the color is gorgeous!

Last weekend we found a little fledgling wandering around. Decided to leave it alone as Google said the parents were close by keeping an eye on their young'un. 

Later in the day, rounded the corner to the back yard and there were four happy little fellas sitting in the grass. So cute!!  The next day we witnessed two of them trying out their wings and flying. Was like watching the kids ride their bikes for the first time.

Saturday Sam took me out for a Mother's Day breakfast.  We decided on Denny's - fast, simple, and cheap. Well, the fast part flew out the window!  Had to wait 15 minutes to be seated, another 10 for menus, then 30 minutes more to be served. Over an hour at Denny's was more than we expected!

Returning home, we were leaving to go to the store. Battery dead!  Got a ride to Jiffy Lube to pick up a battery which Sam installed. Didn't start. Called up roadside service to tow the car to Jiffy Lube for a once over. Diagnosis was for a new starter!  They had to order the part so it couldn't be installed til Monday. Monday afternoon we took a 1.5 mile walk to pick up the rig.

Yesterday made Dollywood Cinnamon Bread. The batter was rather thick which should have been my first clue that the bake may just not be successful.

Baked it for the standard time, let it cool, then cut myself a tasting tester. Dry, too much cinnamon, and just not up to my standards. However, I never say die so this morning before work I cut the bread in cubes and made a batch of bread pudding.  Turned out moist and delicious!  Where there's a will there's a way!

Continuing on with my painting. Here's a few of this week's art.

This one turned out a wee bit masculine dontcha think??

Once in awhile I'll receive notices of settlements. Last year mailed in one for a Blue Cross Blue Shield data breach. This week received $125 for the settlement! Today a notice of $50 coming my way for another data breach. Rolling in the bucks!

And that's a wrap!!

Mopping and Mother's Day

Not sure what's gotten into me but I've been on a cleaning and baking jag for the past two weeks!  My domestic goddess adventures include the following:

• Cleaned and vacuumed the car - like serious nook and cranny cleaning followed by a good dousing of coconut spray!
• Cleaned and organized my office and spare room
• Cleaned and mopped the bathroom
• Went through a big box of my dad's pictures, viewing all, reading letters, and organizing.  My next project will be to take photos of all the pictures and share them with the family.
• Examinined and organized a huge tub of vintage jewelry, gloves, and other memorabilia I was given by sis Luna.
• Dusted the entire house.
• Along with making Manny an omelet last weekend, have also made chicken fettuccine Alfredo, shrimp pasta salad, spaghetti, chocolate chip cookies, and peach pie with homemade crust (am obviously experiencing a high carb indulgence diet!)  Thank the Lord we have people to share these goodies with as we are overflowing in food!
• Painted 20+ items in my 5x5 watercolor journal. Close to finishing my 5th book so it's pretty obvious this hobby has become an obsession!
• Started walking again and remind myself daily that the first step is the hardest.

Add in my 40-hour workweek and life has been busy!!

Here's a few more of my watercolor/acrylic pictures. 

This one's for you Jube!

Received the absolute best fortune cookie from a recent Chinese dinner:

On that note, have a fabulous rest of your week!!  Happy Mother's Day!!