POPCORN POPPING...

It is still cold and dreary in my neck of the woods. Then a got a surprise as I was driving to work yesterday. I saw an apricot tree in full bloom. It took my breath away. They are the first to "pop" each year and it is a real sign of Spring. What a thrill. 


There is a funny little song that the children at church sing every Spring. Complete with actions it is at least three generations old. Here are the words...

Apricot Chicken Wings

3lbs chicken wings
1 1/2 c. apricot preserves
3 TBS vinegar
2 tsp. hot sauce
1 tsp chili powder
1 glove garlic minced

Put your chicken wings in a deep pan, cover with water and bring to a boil.  Remove immediately, drain and arrange the wings on a cookie sheet.


In a mixing bowl combine all of the ingredients for the sauce. Pour over the chicken and toss. Cover with foil and marinate overnight. Bake in a 300 degree oven, tossing the wings about every 20 minutes.  Cook slowly until the sauce and the wings become caramelized. About 2 hours. Serve with celery.

"The secrets in the sauce!"

I HATE SPRING...

Yesterday was the 1st day of Spring. I was a bit under the weather so I didn't post. I'm a day late and a dollar short and I'm just saying... "I hate Spring! 

Now before you write me off completely, let me name a few things about Spring that I LOVE ... 

I love crocus and daffodils ... new baby lambs and little colts... 

pussy willows, lilac bushes, Easter egg hunts, Spring Break and longer days!

What I hate about Spring is that she is a "tease."  One day is sweater weather, the next I'm shivering in my down coat. Blue skies bring hope and excitement and then there's another snow storm. Its enough to give anybody whiplash!

I put up with the March wind and I love the April showers. But when May arrives I think it should be predictably warm. I don't want to plant lettuce and peas in the cold and the poor little tomatoes look pitiful under their cutout milk jugs. The old saying goes...

"In like a lion... out like a lamb." 

The only problem is that here in the Rocky Mountains the 1st day of Spring was mild.... and that means we've got a little "lion" in the forecast. 

The best thing about Spring is...  

Summer's coming!