New Recipe..cross your fingers! ;)

Getting my ducks in a row for trying a new recipe for this weekend: Barbacoa Beef
It's different from anything I've made, but similar to things I've tried and liked, so I thought I'd give it a shot!
I'm using a smaller rump roast than the brisket called for in the recipe, so we'll see how it goes...wish me luck :)
Barbacoa Beef

Getting buttoned up for winter :)

Yesterday was a pretty productive day around the house!
A few days ago, Lady Friend and I had started planting spring flowering bulbs, but didn't finish before the sun started setting on us. Yesterday, I took the time to finish that project off, so hopefully the house will be surrounded with all kinds of tulips, allium, narcissus, and crocus come spring time!
There was also the more mundane chores of catching up on laundry, mowing the yard, and straightening up around the house, but I also cut back the rest of the moonflower, hosta, and other perennials..I even pruned the Limelight hydrangeas outside the solarium!
When that was done, I decided I'd spread my cutting board and wooden kitchen tool 'collection' out on the bed of my truck and give everything a good sanding. Over the course of the last year or more, they've become scratched, stained, dull and dry, and they needed some attention. This dark, round, end-grain board actually had a few separations around the edges - the combination of sawdust and the penetrating moisture from the Board Cream tightened everything up again. Good as new, and ready for winter cooking!

Palmyra Church, 1870

While out driving back roads for work this afternoon, I came across the Palmyra Church built in 1870. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is absolutely beautiful..even through the peeling paint :)

Love a good bracket :)

The windows were what initially caught my eye from the road - HUGE, and all down both sides (and across the rear) of the church.

This old church was built just two years after the original portion of my house.
I'd say both are pretty cool places :)