A Big Ole' Dose of Cute...

Who in this world doesn't love puppies? I mean, really! My friend, MaxMom, is going to get a new puppy soon and she said that I could post pictures of him. I look forward to her posting the pictures of her visits with him like he's going to be mine. Go to her blog - LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX, for updates. Don't worry, JP, I'm not getting puppy fever; I know we are at full capacity!! So, everyone relax and soak up the cuteness. I guarantee that you will smile.




This is one of my favorites, look at him chugging along.

But then there's sleeping puppy, awww...



Blessings from the holler to you all...

Liquid Sunshine...

I went to the porch to snap a picture of these pretty butterflies. We've had lots of butterflies this year and I should have been taking more pictures. There's a pretty one that's black with turquoise spots but I've missed taking that picture.

Then, the rain started and I just sat down in my rocker (good old fashioned wood rocker) and enjoyed the view until I was chased inside by blowing drops. God has blessed us with such beauty. I look around and remember why the mountain range near us is called the Smokey Mountains. The fog raises between the hills and looks like smoke--so beautiful.




This shower is such a nice break from the hot summer days. Fall is just around the corner; I'm really looking forward to it. Blessings to you all from the holler... FYI
Definition of holler -
noun - valley -toThe shepherds took the sheep to graze in the hollow.

t to define our little place until a friend asked the other day. So sorry!
We hope that you all have a wonderful week.

Hollow pronounced by locals (holler) - a valley: They took the sheep to graze in the hollow. Where we live there are steep hills. You either live on top of the hill or in the holler!

Bath day...

Yesterday was the dreaded bath day. I say "dreaded" because no one likes it. But, bathe we must. I start out with Corrie first because she really, really gets nervous and so we just get it out of the way "quick like pulling off a band-aid." Next was her sister Violet, Charlie, Daisy, Speedbump and Scrappy (she's always last because hers is the easiest.) Afterward I clean the bathroom and gather the pile of towels and walk through the house enjoying the calm after the storm. They're all so relaxed and taking their good "after bath" naps.

Whew, we're all glad that's over. What they always forget is that tomorrow is brushing all the loose fur day! It's not so bad and helps with the shedding until next time.
Squeaky clean in the holler...

Front yard to Back...

Just in case you were wondering, here's how our garden grows. It's a jungle out there! Notice the garden glove on the fence post in the picture above. It's like my garden is shaking it's fist at me. Anyway, the tomatoes are almost done; the Lima beans, cucumbers and zucchini have been pulled up; the peppers are in their peak (what am I going to do with all these jalepeños?) The tall plant you see on the left is a tropical pea called Gandules or Pigeon peas, it apparently needs a long growing season because it's just now started blooming and putting on peas. I hope we get to, at least, taste a fresh batch of peas in a pot of arroz con gandules (rice and peas Puerto Rican style.)

This morning I was able to get a few pictures of our standard routine. First, someone spots the turkeys trying to have a nice calm walk up the hill. As you can see this momma turkey wants no part of pictures and gets her little one on the move.

Next, Scrappy or Corrie spots the movement at the top of the hill and the begging and whining starts at the door. Scrappy is bouncing like Tigger at the door and Violet is whining in piercing barks at the rear of the pack. So, to save my hearing, I make my way through the pack to the door and release the hounds! Up the hill they go, as fast as they can (Scrappy is always in front!)



Charlie nearly always turns and runs back down the hill. He's not really into confrontation :O)


If I happen to be standing there, he grabs his Frisbee and trots around trying to lure me into a game of fetch.

Daisy is always available to give him her opinion and play.

JP, wouldn't you say this happens all day? It's not always turkeys that they are chasing, sometimes I think Scrappy just gets bored and leads them all on a wild goose chase! Okay, I thought that was pretty funny. JP knows, I crack myself up sometimes. It's nice to be able to entertain yourself!!

Blessings to you from the gang in the holler...

Zucchini cakes...

This year I planted one zucchini plant and I've been really impressed with it's versatility. I've made bread, relish, muffins and these super easy and good cakes.

Zucchini Cakes
1 ½ cup shredded zucchini
1 egg
3 Tablespoons Bisquick
3 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons bacon bits
1 tsp. salt
pepper to your liking

Combine all ingredients and pan fry in olive oil until brown. Enjoy!

Blessings from the holler...

This cracked me up...

I'm so easy! I love to laugh and I look for opportunities to just "get my tickle box turned over." Latest favorite show to laugh at-- World's Dumbest........ I know it's not the cleanest entertainment but I look forward to laughing at them every Thursday. You all have a great weekend from all of us in the holler.

The attack of the toilet paper...

The other night as I sat in my chair watching television with our visiting grandbabe I saw the weirdest thing. Charlie was backing up, down the hallway, as fast as he could; he had his head down and then I recognized what was on his head, toilet paper! Not only was it on his head, it was all the way down the hallway coming out of the spare bathroom. I had to laugh at the poor goof. I think he was probably checking out the trash can (good smelling stuff in there), raised his head and that's when the toilet paper jumped him. He tried to get away from it but it wouldn't let go!

These pictures are recreations, of course.

Awww Charlie, we know you didn't mean to make a mess you big goof. Good times in the holler...