More Photos of the Day 7/31/06

Current conditions courtesy of weather.com

Hot.

Hotter.

Photo of the Day 7/31/06

The end is near!

No, I'm not referring to the rapture - this is the end of the
local canalway. Or the beginning, however you want to look at it.
The canalway runs from the IL to MS rivers. This is the outlet
that runs to the IL river, somewhere beyond those trees.
Why is it important?
I've reached my goal of making the ride from our usual
starting point, to the "end" and back -- 28.4 miles!
Sunday morning, I didn't start out with the intention of riding this far,
it just sort of happened. But the boyfriend and I made it. I'm glad
he "stuck it out", as he's not as used to riding as I am.
YAY!

Next big goal: 40 miles
(end to visitor center and back)

Photo of the Day 7/28/06

Little miss Sammie Grace, asleep in her
"safety spot" atop the kitchen counter.

Photo of the Day 7/27/06

Sign out front at a business in the town where I work.
They post weekly phrases of inspiration or just general observation.

To this one I say:
Ain't that the truth!

Photo of the Day 7/26/06 Part 4 of 4

An entire field of sweet corn.
It is officially "sweet corn season" here in the Midwest!

Photo of the Day 7/25/06

A few rows of sweet corn, growing in front of field corn.
See the huge difference?

(It was a hazy day when this was taken.)

I can't count the # of times I've been asked what the difference
between field corn and sweet corn is, and ow you tell the difference!

Photos of the Day 7/24/06 Part 2 of 4

Sweet Corn.
(far and near views)

Definition: A hybridized variety of corn, specifically bred to increase
the sugar content. Used in commercial canning of vegetables & soups,
commonly eaten while on the cob. Responsible for spikes in butter sales July-August, lol.

Short, weaker, sparse plants
in relation to "field corn".

Photos of the Day 7/21/06 Part 1 of 4

Field Corn.
(far and near views)

Definition: corn grown primarily for animal feed or market grain.
Market grain meaning starch, corn sugar, syrup, corn oil, corn-oil meal,
gluten feed and meal, whiskey, alcohol, and for direct human food
in the form of corn flakes, corn meal, hominy and grits.

Tall stalks, strong upright leaves, full plants.

(Yes, I am going somewhere with this.
Stay tuned for the next 3 editions/days.)

Photos of the Day 7/20/06

From the boyfriend. Fresh cut flowers from one of his mini rose bushes
greeted me when I came home from work yesterday.
He makes it very difficult for me to be upset with him, haha.

Life is too short to be upset anyway!

Photo of the Day 7/19/06

The bermuda triangle in my kitchen.
Under/behind the pine shelf seems to be the land of misfit cat toys.
Six little furry fake mice greeted me whilst cleaning.

Photos of the Day 7/18/06

Lavender flowers? Weeds? They have been blooming in every ditch.

They seem to grow in sparse little groups.

In context, road is on the right.

Flowers or weeds --whichever-- they make the countryside scenery more beautiful.

Photo of the Day 7/17/06

Mom, do you have to go to work today?

This is Mekoh, the rarely seen cat. He has always been afraid of people other than me.
He's taken very well to the boyfriend. Actually, I think he's happier to see him sometimes
than to see me, lol.

Photo of the Day 7/14/06

A large bowl of homemade chicken salad. The boyfriend was dj-ing an outdoor event, and I didn't want to bring him something hot to eat. 'Twas goooood! This bowl looks the same size as the last one--this is just a larger one in the same set.

1 bag frozen chicken breasts

garlic powder

mayonaisse (light or fat free)

dill pickle relish

fresh parsley

fresh green onions (or scallions if you want to sound fancy)

black pepper

Bake chicken breasts spinkled with garlic powder, then cut into very small pieces. Cool in large bowl in refrigerator. Add mayonaisse to desired consistency. Mince parsley and onions (separately, and a small kitchen chopper/processor works great for this). Add parsley, onions, relish and pepper to taste, mixing together. Serve on whole wheat sub or large croissant with tomato slices and provolone cheese.

Photo of the Day 7/13/06

Awww, a sweet-smelling rose from my hunny.

Photo of the Day 7/12/06

Another one of my concoctions as of late:
Whole wheat bread torn into bite size pieces

lowfat cottage cheese

fresh blueberries

sugar-free maple syrup

Tastes like a cross between breakfast cereal and french toast!

Photo of the Day 7/11/06

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, if you're a duck.
Overcast, rainy, humid, hazy...bleh.
Sorry, I didn't bring any grub today guys!

Photo of the Day 7/10/06

Yes, as a matter of fact I do rule the roost.

Photo of the Day 7/7/06

Huey enjoys the life of Riley. When I lived in the country, he had a giant bay window to sun himself in. That's been a long time ago. This window/ledge isn't near as big, but it'll do!

Photo of the Day 7/6/06

Mmmm...a snack.

Photo of the Day 7/5/06

My silly Sammie up in one side of my desk. Just push the decor aside!

Photo(s) of the Day 7/4/06

A couple of views from the local canalway - sweet home Americana. July 4th was our 1st bike ride of the year. Hopefully there will be many more. (If I had my way, every Sunday would be "ride" day!)

Photo(s) of the day 7/3/06

My bathroom, before and after. Note: The "before" picture was taken when the previous resident lived there (not my mess!). I painted over that awful wallpaper and put up border. The border ended up slanted on the short wall at the sink. It's not that noticeable, but it is annoying. The shower curtain is "faux", as the shower stall is still there. I just put up a bar & shower curtain and voila! Ugly shower is gone and no one's the wiser (unless they peek, of course). It worked out nicely that the countertop (burgundy) and laminate flooring (off white & light brown matched the pattern that I picked out. Who's have thought a bathroom could be "cozy"?