PEACHES & GREEK YOGURT

Utah peaches, Greek yogurt, agave syrup.

Yes.

(A sprinkling of toasted almonds would be a lovely addition.)

JENNIFER'S RED PEPPER CHICKEN AND BLACK BEAN SOUP

     My darling friend, Jennifer, was at my home the other night and told me about a new soup concoction she came up with that started with a box of roasted red pepper and tomato soup.  The soup is delicious on its own but one night she worked her magic (she tweaks everything) and added a little pizazz to the soup.  Pre-cooked chicken, canned black beans, and brown rice were tossed in and it was a hit.  So, I did the same.  (I subbed leftover Basmati rice for brown rice.)  Sooo good and easy--one pot cooking! 

LATEST OBSESSION

Really.  I love these boots and wish I had an excuse to own a pair out here in sunny, dry, Arizona.

These boots would make me feel as if I had a country estate that needed my ever watchful eye.  I could roam the grounds for errant sheep, survey blown down trees, and wave to the hikers as they pass along the public footpath that would cross my property.  My boots would always be ready for me propped just outside my back door where they would not be rotted from the sun/heat or housing a sleeping scorpion.

I first eyed these about a year ago whilst in England. Le Chameau, made in France. I know, why would I prefer French rubber boots over the English-made Hunter boots?  I don't know, but I do know that the Le Chameau brand is worn by a lot of the English gentry (to which I aspire), so that's good enough for me.  Then again, Hunter boots are also worn by the English gentry.  And, I haven't tried either brand on my Cinderella feet.

Last month, a darling blogger, Jeanne from Finding My Way in England, posted about the dilemma of which exact boot to choose.  And then I noticed the Duchess of Cambridge also wearing the French boots. Suddenly I was googling away to find all the options.  But, I'm a classic sort of girl and would opt for the green rubber, nothing fancy, boots.  I'm also practical (usually) and realize that I have absolutely no excuse to wear these.  Sadly, my old green Croc's are just right for an Arizona, non-irrigated backyard.  Drats.

QUICK DINNER

It's been crazy busy the last two weeks.  Haven't tried any new recipes, haven't finished any books, and haven't finished planting my fall gardens.  But!  I wanted to share a new favorite find--love these salmon burgers from Costco. Wild Alaskan salmon, not farm raised.  170 calories, 9 grams of fat, 20 grams of protein. Love.

I just pan fry these babies direct from the freezer in about one teaspoon of blood orange olive oil in a non-stick pan, sprinkle a little lemon pepper on both sides, and then cook the  patties for 4 minutes on each side. Excellent.  If you're interested, you can find them in the frozen food section at Costco.  I highly recommend for a quick, delicious, and healthy meal.

Enjoy!

A PENCIL PLANT TRANSPLANT

We have a crazy, wild pencil cactus plant on our patio.  I took a cue from my friend Robby who took a cutting from her also out of control plant and plopped it into a clear vase filled with water, seashells, and stones.  Easy peasy.   I did the same sans the seashells and love the living, sculptural look sitting on my desk.  Eventually, roots will form and twirl into a sort of nest hovering above the stones.  I'll snap a pic and report back when that happens.

My new arrangement cost me $0 since I already had the plant, the vase, and the stones.  Yea!

P.S. If you live nearby I would be happy to give you a clipping from my crazy patio plant.

P.P.S.  As noted in the comment section (thanks, Bonnie!), when the stem is cut there is a milky white substance that can be an irritant.  I rinsed the stem until the white substance stopped flowing and then washed my hands with soap and water.  I didn't have any problems.