I have no idea what's the name of this flowering bush but it was so pretty. Yes, it did attracted the flies. Lovely Spring sight. I did not took a branch off this...no, no, no, for it was in front someone's yard! :)
Nao tenho nenhuma idea que planta e esta mas as flores sao lindas e tem um aroma bonito.  Infelizmente atrai muitas moscas. Estao na frente no jardim de uma vizinha.

Spring is Here!

Some photos from a beautiful tree in the park. I got some branches and have it in a jar in hope all the flowers will be open or maybe not since those tiny blossoms are so sweet.   Uma arvore muito linda que esta aqui perto de onde fazemos exercisios. Trouxe alguns raminhos e coloquei aqui num vaso com agua pra ver se abre as novas florezinhas mas os botoes sao tao lindos.

Somebody That I Used to Know - Walk off the Earth (Gotye - Cover)

The crochet/knitting group from our town had a retreat at Century Farm Hunts this past Saturday. It was very pleasant.

retreat

This farm and barn doesn't belong to the Century farm but it looked pretty and it's right on the side of the lane going to Century farm. It does belongs to a lady who lives in Des Moines - Iowa and she does some grand barn dances once a year. The barn has a deck from that white door above.

Some more photos of the Century Farm. The photo above is where she has the rooms for lodge. The building where you eat is right in front of this one.

We went to a retreat. This was our crochet/knitting group. We went to Century Farm Hunts which is a hunting lodge. Very beautiful place nestled among magestic hills. The birds chirping loudly all around us. The food prepared was delicious. I forgot to take a photo of the food :(  We appreciated the fellowship with all the ladies of the knitting/crochet group and this lovely visit to the hunting lodge. Sally was a wonderful hostess and her food is owesome!! Groups cames in from all over the United States to stay at their lodge. It was a wonderful chance to experience country life. The lodge isn't exclusively for hunters. It is for anyone who wants a get-away from city life and simply relax.
Their address is:
Century Farm Hunts
Dick/Sally Schaffer
33375 271st ST.
Gregory - SD  57533

centuryfarmhunts@gwtc.net
This display had old photos of their great-grandparents and grandparents who were of German ancestors.

Late afternoon, going out for a walk. The crochet bedspread was made by a lady in Zimbabwe when we lived there many years ago. I had the bedspread in the sun to refresh it. Those things needs some sun in the Spring. I will then wash it after using it for a few days. I love the lacy pattern it has.

I was outside looking at the spot where we have our garden. It is so windy today but much warmer. We still have some places with some snow. Just a photo of ugly me ! When I read a book I always go to the back cover to see a photo of the author. So I thought if I'm writing here then I should put a photo of me.I know I look like a tea pot, son has no patience with people and photos.

I join these ladies every Monday at the coffee house here in our small town. They do crochet and knitting and of course drink coffee and tea. Maybe I will learn to do some knitting some day. We had ten ladies today including me. The group is bigger but some of them couldn't make to it today.

More soup

I decided to add the new recipes here instead of putting them in drawer where I can never find it fast enough when I want to make them again. If I make and it and like it then I will put it here.

Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Serves 6
1 pound bacon, roughly chopped
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 large carrot, peeled and diced
3/4 cup diced celery
4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
4 medium red potatoes, diced
1/4 cup flour
2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
Coarse salt, freshly ground pepper, to taste
4 cups heavy whipping cream
Optional garnishes: chopped chives, bacon bits, sour cream, shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese

1. In a 6- to 8-quart stockpot over medium heat, fry bacon until crisp.
2. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving half for garnish. In bacon fat, cook onions, carrots, and celery until the onions are translucent. Add potatoes and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Whisk in flour and stir constantly over low heat until the flour is cooked and the mixture has thickened slightly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add chicken stock and half of the bacon. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Over medium-high heat, bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes or until the potatoes are soft. Mash some of the potatoes for thicker, creamier texture. Add whipping cream and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Adjust thickness by adding water or stock. Soup should have a creamy consistency.
6. Season to taste, and garnish with toppings.

Cooks’ notes: Soak diced potatoes in cold water until ready to use to keep them from turning brown. To make bacon easier to chop, lightly freeze.

I made a few changes here, I used just 1% milk instead of cream and also only used half the bacon. I did this because I am in pretty restricted cholesterol diet. One can re-do a recipe in different ways to go with your taste or current diet. It turned out very flavorful.