Pineapple Upside-down Cake

In an iron skillet, melt a stick of butter and crumble over the bottom a packed cup of brown sugar. Add cherries and pineapple. Mix a yellow cake mix. I like Pillsbury. Pour it into the skillet and bake. Let's eat. It's pretty made with pineapple rings if you are serving a few large portions. Use tidbits if serving many.

Fall Garden Observations

Osteospermums are beginning to bloom again. I love the blue centers. I noticed the Lycoris radiata buds today. I was wondering if they were going to make it through the late freeze followed by summer drought this year. I moved some Asphidistra eliator in position to conceal an air conditioner visible from our back entrance. It needs a protected position in Zone 6.

Pale Periwinkle Pink

A delicate color shows up almost white in the strong light of summer. I'll add some more intense colors with them next year. There are many seeds sprouting underneath the plants. I hope some wait till next spring. Not only are they pretty in the garden but, alkaloids extracted from Catharanthus roseus/Madagascar periwinkle are used in pharmaceuticals to treat leukemia. Of course, you would not concoct your own brew. They are poisonous.

Purple Shamrock

Oxalis regnellii atropurpurea reblooms every time it rains. They have to go dormant several times a year so they wax and wane in the garden. Most have them indoors but they are hardy to Zone 6.

Bloody Dock

Bloody Dock/Rumex sanguineus var. sanguineus likes moist conditions and is hardy to zone 4. Cut back flowers to keep the plant from becoming tall, weedy, and going to seed. Although I haven't tried it, I've read young leaves can be added to salads.

Bluebirds

Not only are birds beautiful in the garden, but they provide the service of pest control. Bluebirds like live meal worms. You can get live mealworms at aquarium stores.

Chicken and Rice Soup

As the days grow longer and cooler, I enjoy cooking more. There's nothing like soup on a rainy day. Left-over rice inspired it. Add a carton of chicken broth from the shelf, a tablespoon of butter, and chives from the garden and quick as a wink dinner is ready. It's even better served in pretty dishes.

Rachel's New 'Do

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Can you believe? Before we made chicken and dumplings for dinner, Rachel prunned shrubs and cleaned out a flower bed while I tended the pool. And, we still looked good.

A Time To Plant

I'm adding some bulbs to the garden. I'm trying to resist planting a tulip feast for the squirrels this year. They will not bother the narcissus.

Chrysanthemums Say Autumn

I picked up flowers at Kroger on the way home from spa day with Rachel. I now have happy feet. Life is good.