However, this week I came up with a soup with a little bit of a 21^st century twist. Below is how I prepared it. I had about a cup of chicken leftover from dinner the day before along with some other food items needing to be re-homed. What perfect place, in a pot of homemade chicken soup.

Home Made Chicken Soup

1 cup cooked chicken with broth.

(The broth should fill a medium sized soup pot about half full.)

½ pkg. baby carrots  (about 8 oz.)

½ cup diced yellow onion

½ cup diced celery leaves

Salt, pepper, and parsley to taste (each cook knows what they like, I like loads!)

1 box (13.25 oz.) ritoni noodles

3 -5 green onions, cut in 3’ lengths.

Cook chicken, broth, carrots, onion and spices together until done. In a separate pot cook the ritono noodles. Keep separated until ready to serve. Add green onions to soup pot the last 5 minutes for garnish on top.

Once soup and noodles are done in a soup bowl ladle out a couple of scoops of noodles then add soup over the top. Do not add noodles to the soup pot because when you warm up the leftovers the noodles tend to breakdown and lose the shape.

And viola! A nice warm soup to chase away the blahs.

A word about pesticides, many gardeners reach for these chemicals first. But, they really should be a last resort. If the right kind of bugs, birds and lizards are attracted to your garden they will work as the best pest management we will ever need and, we are helping out all of them in their cycle of life.

What to plant? A simple key for flowers is think “open face” heads. Some of these are zinnias, sunflowers or any of the wildflowers that are found in Central Texas. Other flowering plants are herbs. In the spring the beneficial bugs are attracted to coriander, parsley and fennel. Adding these to landscape you will soon see bugs coming into the garden.

Zinnias, sunflowers or any of the Texas wildflowers offer a safe haven to the good bugs.  Another favorite of mine to attract good bugs (and birds or bees) is Lantana.

Here are few of my favorite good insects in the landscape.

Green Lacewing: What a gentle looking fellow with such a big job! You will see the pretty little bugs sometimes around outside lights. Known to control aphids, thrips, red mites, small caterpillars and mealy bugs that like to munch away on foliage in the landscape! And as with any meal, Lacewings like to finish off with a drink.

Ladybug: I have always loved Ladybugs ever since my childhood. But it wasn’t until I got older that I realized what a friend to the garden they are. Now whenever I see them crawling about on the plants I am thankful they are there. Most years they are in the garden if they are offered good plants, water and a natural habitat. They control aphids, mites, and mealy bugs. Known as aphid wolves because they feed on small orange-spotted black grubs. What would I do without them!

Honey Bee: There is so much to say about our friend the Honey Bee. One thing that is very important to keep in mind is they are a threatened specie now due to the over use of pesticides. Getting them to come back into the landscape is a huge challenge. But do not give up! One thing I have noticed this spring is they are sharing the feeders with the hummingbirds. I take no issue with that!

Earthworm: Last but certainly not least is the lowly earthworm. When I see earthworms I know those little mini composters are fast at work. They create the kind of well-aerated soil that I like to call “black gold”. Whenever earthworms collide with humans then it is the human that squeamishly tries to remove them from sight! But these little workers are busy take care of the soil. We need them, in Central Texas that is a huge job!

Birds are a great source to protect the garden. They come in and feed on the bad bugs. I try to keep a natural habitat for them as well. As I hear them begin their morning song I know it is time to take my Lizzie dog for walk.  But before I do please, whatever you are doing in the garden make the use of harsh chemical pesticides your LAST resort! And read the application instruction carefully. More is not better for you, your landscape or planet Earth. Pesticides can harm you and your pets, whether you have a dog or a cat. And children. The over use of them is a lazy gardener’s tool.

Until next month when we head into real summer heat, Happy Gardening!!!

Here they come! Weeds! Unfortunately if you live in a new subdivision, on the outskirts of town or in a rural area you have experienced these spring visitations of WEEDS.

We have two of three of the above conditions and we are starting to see those weeds come up.

Okay, we can get down on our knees and get each and every weed out of the ground but the whole point of downsizing our home was because we can not do as at much as we use to. So there are few things we can do. First thing we did is our spring weed and feed. Now we have a routine in place to weed and feed on a regular basis.  So the occasional rogue we can handle. We can grab a cold beer or with glass of wine in hand I can lasso my tall guy to help out so we can make it more about fun and not a chore.

Mowing is going to be a lot easier. We downsized from an acre yard to about a quarter of an acre so it is going to be so much easier.  Proper mowing is the best thing you can do and the primary maintenance that can be done to keep those weeds at bay and the turf healthy. What is the general tip here?  “Lawn mowing must be frequent enough to encourage dense, rapid growth.”  Mowing short and infrequently is a death trap for your lawn. In our corner of the world setting the mower blade higher is better than shorter.

One of the things that my tall guy and I usually practice is to let the grass clippings stay on the grass. I always wonder whose idea it was to bag the clippings then trot off the local garden store to replace nutrients that the clippings could have given your lawn? Who decided that anyway? Last I heard here in the big State of Texas we do not have thatch problems so viola! An excellent step saved!

The second biggest largest bane of gardening in the spring after weeds is those infamous fire ants. It is warming up and here come those mean little guys. Got my ongoing plan in place. As anyone who lives in the south knows just because you can not see these little critters does not mean they do not exist! Vigilance is crucial.

April brings weeds, fire ants and regular mowing schedules. But in Central Texas it also brings wildflowers. Here are few that are in my neighborhood where I walk.  Enjoy.

Reference: Doug Welsh’s Texas Garden Almanac, pp. 171-2

Here they come! Weeds! Unfortunately if you live in a new subdivision, on the outskirts of town or in a rural area you have experienced these spring visitations of WEEDS.

We have two of three of the above conditions and we are starting to see those weeds come up.

Okay, we can get down on our knees and get each and every weed out of the ground but the whole point of downsizing our home was because we can not do as at much as we use to. So there are few things we can do. First thing we did is our spring weed and feed. Now we have a routine in place to weed and feed on a regular basis.  So the occasional rogue we can handle. We can grab a cold beer or with glass of wine in hand I can lasso my tall guy to help out so we can make it more about fun and not a chore.

Mowing is going to be a lot easier. We downsized from an acre yard to about a quarter of an acre so it is going to be so much easier.  Proper mowing is the best thing you can do and the primary maintenance that can be done to keep those weeds at bay and the turf healthy. What is the general tip here?  “Lawn mowing must be frequent enough to encourage dense, rapid growth.”  Mowing short and infrequently is a death trap for your lawn. In our corner of the world setting the mower blade higher is better than shorter.

One of the things that my tall guy and I usually practice is to let the grass clippings stay on the grass. I always wonder whose idea it was to bag the clippings then trot off the local garden store to replace nutrients that the clippings could have given your lawn? Who decided that anyway? Last I heard here in the big State of Texas we do not have thatch problems so viola! An excellent step saved!

The second largest bane of gardening in the spring after weeds is those infamous fire ants. It is warming up and here come those mean little guys. Got my ongoing plan in place. As anyone who lives in the south knows just because you can not see these little critters does not mean they do not exist! Vigilance is crucial.

April brings weeds, fire ants and regular mowing schedules. But in Central Texas it also brings wildflowers. Here are few that are in my neighborhood where I walk.  Enjoy.

Reference: Doug Welsh’s Texas Garden Almanac, pp. 171-2

Feeding birds:

• Seeds & grains (found at local feed store)
• Grit for digestion (commercial bird gravel or coarse beach sand can be used)
• Raw beef suet (for cold months)
• Kitchen scraps (store cake, doughnuts, pie crust and anything with sugar in a covered container) (Use separate container for crusts and stale breads)
• Granola treats (wheat germ, peanut hearts, white millet, raisins, crushed dog bones and sunflower seeds)

Keep in mind nesting season making available materials such as wool, twine, string (torn into small pieces). A good way to store these for use are in a suet container.

Feeding dispensers:

• Platform feeder
• Two feeders (one wild bird seed mix, second for sunflower seeds)
• Ground feeders (see picture below)
• Suet containers (Summer provides all the natural food you need, but the winter months birds will need some help!)

Here are a few birds you can expect to see in the Hill Country of Texas:

Waxwings, nuthatch, junco, mockingbird, wren, robin, chickadee, finch, downy, cardinal, jay, bluebird and dove.

So do not give up early. I have had my feeders out only a few days and the report has gone out far and wide. The scouts are telling friends and family where the hot spot is. So far I have sighted finches and doves. The bird bath makes this sanctuary complete.Our winged friends need to be able to preen as well.

The next question we should ask is, “what about hummingbirds”? To begin with there are eighteen species of Texas hummingbirds. For information about where and how to identify hummers note reference link below for “A Quick Reference Guide to Texas Hummingbirds”. When feeding hummers there no need to buy fancy feeders or red sugar water at the store, unless that is your preference. Just buy the inexpensive ones with red on them. I have used these for years and the hummers are always grateful.

Want to make your own food?

Hummingbird Punch

 1 cup of sugar

4 cups of water

 Boil four cups of water and remove from heat. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Let cool and feed. Store remaining syrup in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Boiling is not necessary but may extend the shelf life of the syrup. (However, it has been my experience that the hummers come in so hungry that you are feeding all the time. They will come up to the window and “tell” you when you are out of food!)

Tips:

• Red food coloring should not be used. Feeders have enough color on them to attract birds.

• Make sure feeders are clean.

• Hang feeders in a shady area near windows or around patio.

• Keep feeders active year-round.

The hummers will send out scouts to see if you are still feeding them. The earliest scout I have seen is around April 1^st. Hummers then tell their friends that your home now is a haven. Know that if you see one hummer there are many more you can not see. They are famous for moving as a group. Texas has a main migratory path through it so just stop, ask our friends to stop by for a meal, stay for a summer vacation and they will be happy to return again.

For more information feel free to look at the links below that I have referenced for this blog.

Note: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_bk_w7000_0305.pdf

(Hummingbirds)

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_bk_p4507_0026l.pdf

(Recipes for the Birds)

Stuffed French Toast

6 pieces of cinnamon bread

3 tablespoons fat-free soft cream cheese

2 egg whites, ¼ cup fat-free cholesterol-free egg product, slightly beaten

¼ cup fat-free milk (used organic milk)

1 tablespoon sugar (used Splenda)

1 cup frozen blueberries

¼ cup water

Spread one side of all 6 pieces of bread w/about 1 tablespoon cream cheese. Place both sides together.

Beat egg whites, milk and sugar. After whisking together pour into a shallow bowl.

Spray griddle or skillet with cooking spray, heat on medium-low heat. Put together two pieces, dip in egg mixture. Cook until golden brown.

In a small saucepan heat blueberries with ¼ cup of water until syrup consistency. Using a spoon spread berries over the top of French Toast.

Original recipe is from Betty Crocker’s Diabetes Cookbook.

A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they’d be asked the “half empty or half full” question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she inquired: ”How heavy is this glass of water?”

Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.

She replied, “The absolute weight doesn’t matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it’s not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I’ll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralyzed. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn’t change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.” She continued, “The stresses and worries in life are like that glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens. Think about them a bit longer and they begin to hurt. And if you think about them all day long, you will feel paralyzed – incapable of doing anything.”

It’s important to remember to let go of your stresses. As early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don’t carry them through the evening and into the night. Remember to put the glass down!

(https://www.facebook.com/ScienceIsMadness)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with foil. In a bowl toss florets with melted coconut oil then place the florets on the baking sheet. Sprinkle mixed salt and curry over the florets. (your kitchen will fill with the wonderful smell of curry and coconut when you do this)

Roast for 10 minutes, then turn florets and cook 10 more minutes. Can be served warm or cold but so far we love it hot!

It taste wonderful and it is good for you. Here are a few links if you are interested in the health benefits. Happy Eating!

8 Health Benefits of Curry

Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

8 Health Benefits of Cauliflower

10 Health Benefits of Sea Salt

(From The Lorax by Dr. Suess)

Or at least some days it feels like this is where I live as spring moves into Central Texas. Yesterday I noted that the trees are budding. Already the grass is ready for its first spring mow. I hear the mowers humming away outside and it reminds me of a Stephen King novel in a normal neighborhood, except that one house. You know the house where things happen in the mind of Stephen King.

Since this is my first year in this climate I plan to watch the trees carefully while they leaf out. Then I will know what I want to put in the landscape next Fall. I know where I want to put a couple of Crepe Myrtle trees and a Knock Out rose bush. No use getting in a hurry.

So on to Spring cleaning!!! I have already been weeding the front garden doing away with the dead annuals that needed to be pulled out. Thankfully we have had some good rain to get the season started. More rain on the way this week.

So, what else to do for February? Pruning is minimal. Already I have done some light work on my Live Oak. I am going to put my garden plan on paper this month so I can be ready for planting. Then take a day trip to a couple of nurseries to find what plants grow in my area. I am trying to balance warmer days with the common sense of awareness of last freeze date which looks like it is about the middle of March.

After living for almost two decades in rainy climes it is new territory to simply need to water the yard. My tall guy and I started doing some research on a sprinkler system. So when I get my garden plan on paper we will call a sprinkler installation service. Again, no rush.

In the meantime, I will get the weeding finished up. Get the plants fertilized, mowed the yard and kill the weeds. And speaking of weeds. Here is a home remedy I have used in the past that works for me.

Weed Killer Prep Tonic

1 cup of liquid dish soap

1 cup of ammonia

4 tbsp of instant tea granules

Mix all ingredients in your 20- gallon hose-end sprayer, filling the balance with warm water. Then spray the weeds.

Note: I find that if I take it down to smaller amounts for small jobs it works too.

From Backyard Problem Solver

by Jerry Baker

The last two things I am doing this Spring is asking local gardeners who have years of experience living in Central Texas what works. I went over to my son’s house a couple of weeks ago and over a pot coffee we talked gardening. I gleaned so many good tips. Another place I am gleaning information is from a local tried and true organic gardener, Judy Barrett. Judy does a online Newsletter monthly. I recommend if you live in Central Texas to get on her mailing list at: http://homegrowntexas.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/feb13.pdf

(From The Lorax by Dr. Suess)

Or at least some days it feels like this is where I live as spring moves into Central Texas. Yesterday I noted that the trees are budding. Already the grass is ready for its first spring mow. I hear the mowers humming away outside and it reminds me of a Stephen King novel in a normal neighborhood, except that one house. You know the house where things happen in the mind of Stephen King.

Since this is my first year in this climate I plan to watch the trees carefully while they leaf out. Then I will know what I want to put in the landscape next Fall. I know where I want to put a couple of Crepe Myrtle trees and a Knock Out rose bush. No use getting in a hurry.

So on to Spring cleaning!!! I have already been weeding the front garden doing away with the dead annuals that needed to be pulled out. Thankfully we have had some good rain to get the season started. More rain on the way this week.

So, what else to do for February? Pruning is minimal. Already I have done some light work on my Live Oak. I am going to put my garden plan on paper this month so I can be ready for planting. Then take a day trip to a couple of nurseries to find what plants grow in my area. I am trying to balance warmer days with the common sense of awareness of last freeze date which looks like it is about the middle of March.

After living for almost two decades in rainy climes it is new territory to simply need to water the yard. My tall guy and I started doing some research on a sprinkler system. So when I get my garden plan on paper we will call a sprinkler installation service. Again, no rush.

In the meantime, I will get the weeding finished up. Get the plants fertilized, mowed the yard and kill the weeds. And speaking of weeds. Here is a home remedy I have used in the past that works for me.

Weed Killer Prep Tonic

1 cup of liquid dish soap

1 cup of ammonia

4 tbsp of instant tea granules

Mix all ingredients in your 20- gallon hose-end sprayer, filling the balance with warm water. Then spray the weeds.

Note: I find that if I take it down to smaller amounts for small jobs it works too.

From Backyard Problem Solver

by Jerry Baker

The last two things I am doing this Spring is asking local gardeners who have years of experience living in Central Texas what works. I went over to my son’s house a couple of weeks ago and over a pot coffee we talked gardening. I gleaned so many good tips. Another place I am gleaning information is from a local tried and true organic gardener, Judy Barrett. Judy does a online Newsletter monthly. I recommend if you live in Central Texas to get on her mailing list at: http://homegrowntexas.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/feb13.pdf