70th Anniversary of Gone With the Wind

For the 70th anniversary of arguably the greatest movie classic of all time; The Tarrytown Music Hall will be having a showing of Gone With The Wind on the big screen. The fact that it will be shown in the same theater where throngs of people saw it in 1939 adds to the experience, in a ghostly shades of the past kind of way. I'm looking forward to stolling the streets. poking in shops, maybe having an ice cream, then sitting down for a 4 hour show. They just don't make them like they used to.

Wordless Wednesday

Eco-cleaning the deck

You know it is bad when the deck not only gets slippery from the accumulated algae but the slugs start to feed and leave trails where they have noshed their way across the boards. For me that is the sign that it is time to deal with it. And, that we are so having way too much rain.

Last time, I had someone powerwash the deck, which was great, but cost money. The time before I scrubbed it on my hands and knees with one of those chemical deck strippers. While explaining my staycation plans to an old friend, I mentioned the deck dilema and she heaved a 70 year old sigh (I'm sure she was rolling her eyes too, but I couldn't see it through the phone.) She told me to use vinegar. Huh! I went out and throw some on the deck. Nothing happened. Then shades of a 6th grade erupting volcano project reared its head. Silly me. There also needs to be baking soda.

I bought 2 of the biggest sizes of baking soda and 2 gallons of distilled vinegar. A sprinkle and a glug and voila! chemical reaction. Safe, eco-friendly deckstripper.

But, of course, there still is scrubbing involved--on your hands and knees. Can't get away from it. The algae and the baking soda turns into a slimy-yet satisfying-green ooze. So I sprinkled, glugged, waited 10 minutes, scrubbed, and hosed it down. Repeat, over and over.


It is not quick (took me 2 days to do 2 small decks) but it is safe to breathe, safe to handle, safe for the plants and bugs. Now if only it would stop raining so I can put on the sealant, which, alas, is not eco-friendly.

Lazy Summer Afternoon

Is there anything better than whiling away the afternoon sitting on a pillow in the summer sun, watching people work? Oh, am I disgruntled? Not really. At 16 1/2, she deserves it.

I'm Going Through a Red Phase

Have you noticed? Every annual I have bought this year has been blood red. I wish you could see these Zinnias. They are deep saturated red. Like a hankie after a nosebleed. Mmm, maybe too gross. How about freshly washed fire engine red? Or the puddle-of-ketchup-next-to-your-fries red. I can't remember the last time I saw pure red Zinnias.

It started with the Red Petunias matched with red verbena and white petunias in the face planter. I didn't pick the white, they came already planted together.

I thought to mix this Verbena to go with the red Zinnias, but I sorta like it alone on the pedestal.

The splash of color certainly brightens up the yard.

Curried Black-eyed Peas

2 cans of black-eyed peas (or you can use 1 cup of dried peas, soaking, boiling etc)
1/2 c unsalted chicken stock
2 bunches of scallions, trimmed and cut into 1-inch lengths
1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp wine vinegar (red or white)
1/2 Tbsp honey
1 1/4 tsp curry powder
freshly ground black pepper
1 Tbsp virgin olive oil
1/2 sweet red pepper, seeded, de-ribbed and slivered

Rinse and drain the peas.

Heat the stock in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the scallions and partially cover the skillet. Cook the scallions, stirring often, until almost all the liquid has evaporated (8-10 minutes). Transfer the contents of the skillet to a large bowl.

In a different bowl, combine the lemon juice, vinegar, honey, curry powder and some pepper. Whisk in the oil and set the dressing aside.

Add the peas and red pepper to the scallions in the bowl. Pour the dressing over all and toss the salad well. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Delicious and easy. This recipe was given to me by Marion Greenup.

Wordless Wednesday