Smokey Mountain Memories

I don't know if you watched American Idol but there is this little 17 year old, angel, David Archuleta, who sings this song by Dolly Parton with so much emotion. I thought you might like to hear it. Some of you who read these blogs, and don't live in America, never got a chance to hear him sing. So here you go, enjoy!

A farmer purchased an old, run-down, abandoned farm with plans to turn it into a thriving enterprise. The fields
were grown over with weeds, the farmhouse was falling apart, and the fences were broken down. During his first
day of work, the town preacher stops by to bless the man's work, saying, "May you and God work together to make
this the farm of your dreams!" A few months later, the preacher stops by again to call on the farmer. Lo and behold,
it's a completely different place. The farm house is completely rebuilt and in excellent condition, there is plenty
of cattle and other livestock happily munching on feed in well-fenced pens, and the fields are filled with crops planted
in neat rows. "Amazing!" the preacher says. "Look what God and you have accomplished together!"
"Yes, reverend," says the farmer, "but remember what the farm was like when God was working it alone

Cherry tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes
Originally uploaded by dreamdress2

I love cherry tomatoes with balsamic vinegar or a drizzle of olive oil and a little chopped, fresh basil. . I eat these like candy. They are so good.

Purple and White eggplants

Purple and White Eggplants
Originally uploaded by dreamdress2

The purple ones are just above the marigold,,,and the white ones are over to the left. It won't be long now. I have a recipe for Eggplant lasagna...instead of using noodles, you use grilled eggplant..I am on a diet ( nothing new here) and I think this will save some calories. I haven't tried it yet,,,I copied it from a Victory Garden show. What can taste bad? Mozzarella cheese, eggplant and tomato sauce. You can click on picture, to see them better...

Tomatoes and more tomatoes

Tomatoes
Originally uploaded by dreamdress2

I think it is time to make a Dinner of Green Fried Tomatoes...


4 to 6 green tomatoes
salt and pepper
cornmeal
bacon grease or vegetable oil

Slice the tomatoes into 1/4 - 1/2-inch slices. Salt and pepper them to taste. Dip in meal and fry in hot grease or oil about 3 minutes or until golden on bottom. Gently turn and fry the other side. Serve as a side dish - or do as I do and make a sandwich with white bread and mayo. YUM!

A row of Sunflowers

Sunflowers
Originally uploaded by dreamdress2

I love these. They are getting so tall. I might have to stake them if they get any taller. I have them along the back of my garden.

Tomatoes, beans, yellow squash

Tomatoes, beans, yellow squash
Originally uploaded by dreamdress2

I love the beautiful colors. Red tomatoes, yellow squash,,and green beans,,,,how pretty is that?