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The Ghost in the Stone Tower
Source: @erincare There was once a hawk and a unicorn who fell in love. The hawk built a stone cottage and tower for the unicorn, on the rugged hillside overlooking the sea. They lived there happily for many years, and although both have long since passed away, one still remains. Or so says a group of paranormal experts who investigated the structures. This is the story of the ghost in the stone tower.
The home and tower, in beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, were built by poet Robinson Jeffers in the early 1900s. In his poem, “Ghost,” Jeffers said he would one day haunt Tor House and Hawk Tower, the structures he built entirely by hand by hauling heavy granite boulders and rocks up from the beach below. Tor house was named for the craggy knoll, or “tor” on which it was built. Jeffers strongly identified with and loved hawks, hence the name Hawk Tower. His wife Una (pronounced “Yoona”), with a background in mysticism, loved unicorns.
Source: pinterest.com Paranormal investigators who spent a night in the home believed a ghost does indeed haunt the structure, but it isn’t Jeffers. Instead, they believe it is his wife, Una. They not only captured a thermal image of her, but also heard her utter a few words. Other strange happenings reported include a book about Una repeatedly flying off a shelf.
Source: pinterest.com Does Una haunt Tor House and Hawk Tower? Una was purportedly an adventurous spitfire who often flew off the handle. She had a history of car racing when she was younger, supposedly fired guns point blank at trespassers, and basically just bucked convention. Who else would choose to live without modern conveniences, such as electricity and a washing machine? Perhaps even after death she is choosing to do her own thing. Perhaps the bond with the home and husband she so loved could just not be broken.
I recently went on a tour of Tor House and Hawk Tower. It didn’t feel haunted. I saw a lovely stone cottage with climbing roses. A neat brick pathway lined with abalone shells and flowers. Playful hummingbirds zooming up and down. It all presented a very cozy picture. There were a few odd moments though. As we approached the tower, a large black bird landed on the house’s chimney and began cawing so stridently we had trouble hearing the docent speak. Then, after we entered the tower where Jeffers penned his famous poetry, there were some clattering sounds from behind us in an area where tools were kept, even though nobody was in that room. The stuffed hawk above his desk was a bit weird. And that moment when the docent opened a door next to the fireplace to reveal a real human skull. Odd, and maybe a smidge creepy.
The tower itself is quirky, with steep, twisting staircases on the outside of the tower and on the inside, a secret passageway. A door in Jeffer’s study on the bottom opens to reveal a strange, dark stairway that you can only navigate by turning your body sideways. Following this leads to Una’s room in the tower, complete with a fireplace and another smaller tower where a lantern could be suspended above a window facing the sea. Oil lamps and candles were the only means of illumination for three decades–electricity wasn’t installed until 1949. Outside, another twisting set of stone steps leads to a third level, then yet another to the very highest part of the tower, from which there is a birds-eye view of Carmel.
In its heyday, Tor House and Hawk Tower were very popular. Many prominent and literary guests came here, including Charlie Chaplin, George Gershwin, Charles Lindbergh, Langston Hughes, Edna St. Vincent Millay, and Sinclair Lewis. Our guide told us that the couple’s young twin sons, Donnan and Garth often played pranks. He said occasionally they would stuff overalls and other clothing to look like a human body, and when they saw a car approaching, would push it over the top of the tower and scream. Sounds like something boys would do!
Spooky? Haunted? You be the judge. For more information on supposedly haunted places in the area, you may like The Eight Most Haunted Places Near Monterey. I really loved visiting Tor house and Hawk Tower and think you would too. For more information, see Tor House. Thank you for visiting my blog. Wishing you peace, love, happiness, & beautiful vistas!
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Yes Please! Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris
I normally do not go to the theatre to watch movies. In fact, I hadn’t been inside a movie theatre since pre-Covid times. Nonetheless, I saw the previews for Mrs. Paris Goes to Paris, and I was curious enough to head out to the theatre to see it. It is definitely a feel-good movie, adapted from the 1958 novel Mrs. ‘Arris Goes to Paris by Paul Gallico. I think you will love it as much as I did!
Directed by Anthony Fabian, the film stars Lesley Manville as Mrs. Ada Harris, a simple cleaning lady in London in 1957. Her husband died during World War II when his plane was shot down. She lives life simply, hangs out with her dear friend Vi, and is always doing kind things for others just because that is authentically who she is. While cleaning the home of one of her affluent clients, Mrs. Harris discovers a beautiful Christian Dior haute couture dress draped over a chair in a bedroom, and becomes smitten, then obsessed. For anyone who has ever fallen in love with a dress or pair of shoes or just felt like a princess in a particular outfit, this will definitely strike a chord.
Image source: eBay There are several themes throughout the film, starting with the bridge from which Mrs. Harris casts things into the river. A coin, the ring of her beloved husband who was killed during World War II, and a Dior gown she never got to wear all disappear into the shadowy depths. She continually struggles with loss of things and people she loves. The loss of her husband, the loss of the beautiful gown she struggled to finally bring home. But after her losses, she continues to gain. Her friend Archie invests a risky bet she made at the dog races on a more profitable one so she recoups money she lost. She finds a lost piece of jewelry in the street and receives a reward. She finally receives a war widow’s pension. These landfalls allow her escape from her life as a cleaning lady in London and begin an adventure in Paris.
Mrs. Harris’s adventure begins with a Parisian wino leading her to Dior where she stumbles into a showing of their 10th anniversary collection. She is initially turned away by haughty Dior Director Claudine, but shows her bravery and spunk by revealing the rolls of cash she has brought to purchase the dress of her dreams. She is supported by a distinguished attendant at the showing, the Marquis de Chassagne. He shows her the ropes for purchasing her dress. She loses her most loved selection, a seductive red dress called “Temptation”, to an affluent client with a history of many Dior purchases. But because Dior has fallen on hard times financially, they agree to make Mrs. Harris her second choice dress, an emerald green number called “Venus”.
She finds support in the entire Dior staff, except for Claudine, and is invited to stay with Andre, an accountant at Dior, while her dress is fitted. Andre’s dream is to take Dior fashion to the common people and believes this will help Dior succeed financially. He is in love with Dior model Natasha, who shares his interest in author Sartre and existential philosophy. Natasha resents her modeling career-her dream is to return to college and study philosophy. Mrs. Harris helps both of them to achieve their dreams and plays cupid, when they are basically stuck and unable to move forward. “We need our dreams, now more than ever”, she states to Andre.
What we see is that despite continual setbacks and abysmal accidents, Mrs. Harris continues to move forward while also helping others. In return, she is admired and beloved. After the unexpected loss of her Dior dress, she does hit rock bottom and refuses to get out of bed. Her London friends come to the rescue, and then she receives the sweetest surprise of all. The Dior staff have seen the news and what was done to her gown by the girl she had lent it to. Through a stroke of luck, her initial choice, the red dress “Temptation”, is sent to her by Dior, along with a huge bouquets of roses. The much too nice Mrs. Harris also learns to set boundaries and to see herself as not just a “nobody” doormat. The film ends with a scene of Mrs. Harris descending a grand staircase wearing the “Temptation” dress, and happily dancing with Archie, her gentleman friend.
The film features charming scenes of 1950s London and Paris that provide a visual feast. The gorgeous Dior garments and elegant models are also spectacular. I followed four young ladies out of the theatre, listening to them chatter about a term mentioned in the film– je ne sais quoi. Mrs. Harris certainly has je ne sais quoi. She also proves that no matter who you are, you should follow your dreams. Because sometimes, against all the odds, fairy tales do come true.
Thank you for visiting my blog. To view photos from the film, see imdb.com. You may also enjoy Best Guest Dresses for a Beach Wedding. Wishing you peace, love, happiness, & beautiful vistas.
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Finding Treasure: The Art of Lisa Bryan
I was happily thrifting in Carmel the other day, when I came across a map. Normally, I am completely uninterested in maps, but this one immediately caught my eye. Delightful images were happily scattered across a very detailed map of Carmel. I had discovered a treasure map! All the places I know and love were depicted so magically, I knew I had to have it! After I purchased the map, I went online to learn more about the artist, Lisa Bryan, and discovered she is also an author. I purchased her book, Sketches of Carmel-by-the-Sea and was smitten. I wanted to learn more about the creator of these lovely pieces of art.
Generic photo, source pixabay.com According to her LinkedIn page, Lisa has been painting all her life. She works primarily in oil, watercolors, and ink. She creates not only one of a kind maps of the Carmel area, but also commissioned paintings, including homes, and will even include beloved dogs in her paintings! Her art has been made into posters, calendars, cards, prints, and books. She also creates puzzles and even hand-painted hats! You can see more of her beautiful artwork yourself by visiting Lisa Bryan, or Visit Carmel, I guarantee you will be charmed, just like me!
Many of Carmel’s quaint buildings are featured in Lisa Bryan’s artwork. From the Cottage of Sweets to the Tuck Box to beautiful animals, you will treasure everything Lisa Bryan creates. You can find her items in many shops in Carmel, on her website Lisa Bryan and also online including fine art venues, Amazon, and eBay. Thank you for visiting my blog! You may also enjoy Holiday Charm in Carmel by the Sea. Wishing you peace, love, joy and beautiful vistas.
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Your Dog & New Puppy: Top Tips
I was so worried when I adopted my Great Pyrenees rescue puppy. I didn’t know how my older German Shepherd would react. She has never enjoyed socializing with other dogs and is known to be quite the stinker. Whenever other dogs approach her, especially larger dogs, there is often growling and barking. She shows no indication she wants to be friends with them. I always make sure to keep her on leash if we are going to be around other canines, just to be on the safe side. My worries increased when I read online that German Shepherds and Great Pyrenees do not generally get along. But something told me that I had to try.
I made sure to get a male puppy, since I had learned that often same sex dogs can have issues (although I previously owned two female terriers and had no problems). When I brought Jake home, I initially let Sasha view him from behind a glass door, and of course the aggressive barking ensued. After a few days of this, I brought her out on a leash, and let her get within sniffing distance. She immediately became aggressive and tried to nip at the puppy. My instinct was to yell at her, but this did not help at all. Then I tried some different strategies, and they worked miracles. I am certainly not a professional dog trainer, but I wanted to share what worked for me. Here are my top tips for introducing your dog to a new puppy.
- Use Treats. Sasha’s number one preferred reward is food, so I used treats to help them bond. I would bring Sasha near the puppy on her leash and every time she did not growl at him or get aggressive I gave her a treat. So I was rewarding her for good behavior rather than punishing her for bad behavior. I also gave the puppy treats, and they both were more focused on getting a dog biscuit than anything else. I gradually amped this up to 2-3 times a day, and eventually, the aggressive behavior was extinguished. Keep in mind that these interactions should never be forced. I like petmd.com’s advice to “look for signs that one dog is trying to get away…if your dog runs over to you, don’t send them back ‘into the fire’ because this is usually an indication that your dog needs a break from the interaction”.
- Give your older dog plenty of Love and Attention so he or she does not feel jealous of the new puppy. I continued my routines with Sasha, included one on one throwing her toys for her to fetch. I also brushed her, and gave her lots of petting, praise and kisses.
- Exercise Your Dog and Puppy Together. Jake was not leash trained when I brought him home, but Sasha was used to going for daily walks with me. I purchased a puppy stroller at a thrift store, and used it to take Jake with us until he became leash trained. Initially she tried to nip at him, but he was safely velcroed in the puppy stroller. Eventually, after a few times, she accepted that this was part of our walking routine, and Jake loved watching her lead our team down the road. Now that he is leash trained they trot side by side together. It’s so cute to see Sasha tolerate his frequent displays of affection for her.
- Let Them See Each Other But Keep Them Separated When You Leave. I did not ever leave my dog and puppy alone together for several weeks, just to be on the safe side. I kept Sasha in my mud room, and let her see Jake through the glass doors. You could use a baby gate or crate to separate them too if your older dog is initially hostile. It helps them get used to each other but protects your vulnerable puppy from being hurt. The puppy wanted so badly to play with her, but it wasn’t safe. They were able to develop a bond by seeing each other safely. He now pushes the door open if Sasha is in the mud room to let her into the house!
- Always Let Your Older Dog Have Some Time Alone. If you have ever been the Mom of a toddler, you will know how exhausting it is just maintaining your sanity with all their antics, however cute they may be. You can imagine how it feels for an older dog when there is a puppy, constantly demanding attention from them, jumping on them when they are trying to relax, chewing on their ears, taking their toys, etc. I make sure to let Sasha have time alone, even now when they absolutely adore each other. It enables her to have time alone to do what she wants without Jake’s constant shenanigans. According to the American Kennel Club, you should give your older dog breaks from the puppy several times throughout the day, crating either dog if necessary.
- Make Sure to Get Toys & Bones for Both Dogs. Sasha is very protective of her toys and bones, so I made sure to get extras for the puppy. Jake learned quickly not to take one away from her due to her warning growl. Unfortunately, Sasha will still occasionally steal things from him. If I see her steal Jake’s toy or bone, I simply give him a different one and the issue is resolved.
I hope you found these tips helpful. For more information on this topic, you may want to read these informative articles by AKC and Pet MD. You may also enjoy reading Puppy Love! Favorite Dog Quotes. Thank you for visiting my blog. Wishing you peace, love, and happiness!
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Feed Chickens This for Super Healthy Eggs!
I was recently reading a story about a local couple here in California who are selling their designer eggs to upscale restaurants for $20.00 a dozen. Apparently they feed their chickens superfoods such as acerola cherry and camu camu powders (I had to look these up!) and give them coconut water to drink. While I am in awe that someone would go to such lengths to have healthy chickens and eggs, the truth is, it simply isn’t necessary. You don’t need fancy products to get healthy eggs. Here’s what to feed your chickens to ensure their eggs are as healthy as possible.
Free Range Them
The number one thing you can do to promote healthy egg laying is free range your chickens, which allows them to forage for insects, grains, and grasses. Chickens are natural foragers. But if you simply can’t due to the threat of predators, etc. here’s what you should feed your chickens.
Fresh Water
Access to fresh clean water is the number one thing chickens need to produce healthy eggs. Did you now that an egg is actually half water? Water is incredibly important or your chickens will become dehydrated and your egg production will plummet.
Protein
Insects are high in protein and your chickens will go gaga over them. You can give them worms or bugs from your garden or purchase mealy worms or crickets for them. Mine just loved the grubs I found when splitting wood from a dead tree on the farm. You can also give them cooked eggs, never raw. My chickens love both boiled and scrambled eggs. I also grow wheatgrass from seed as this has a high protein content and my chickens find it very tasty. Grass hay mixed with alfalfa, something I give my goats, I also give my chickens as it adds needed protein for healthy eggs.
Flowers, Herbs & Vegetables
I give my chickens greens from my garden daily, including spinach, Swiss chard and lettuce. Other vegetables they love include tomatoes, pumpkin, and broccoli. (Do NOT give them avocados as they contain a component known as persin, which is lethal to chickens). In the spring, I forage my farm for wild miner’s lettuce and dandelion greens which they absolutely love to eat. Herbs are also provided from time to time, including basil, mint and oregano. Flowers such as nasturtium, calendula are also good for healthy eggs. Did you know that oregano can help prevent disease in chickens? Studies show that using oregano as well as garlic can help eliminate the need for artificial antibiotics. But if giving chickens garlic, be aware that it can affect the taste of your eggs.
Grains
I only feed my chickens organic chicken feed that has good nutritional value. Other grains you can provide include oats, barley, millet, flax, rye, and sunflower seeds. If you soak the seeds for 1-4 days they will ferment and this will add probiotics to help protect against harmful bacteria such as salmonella and E-coli. I also give my chickens foraged wild grasses which they enjoy scratching and pecking at to get the grain.
Fruits
Healthy fruits for chickens include watermelon, cantelope, cherries, berries and the like.
Calcium
Calcium is necessary to keep both the chickens and the eggs healthy. If you don’t feed them enough calcium, you will notice that the shells on your eggs are thin and flimsy. This can lead to breakage. I prefer to give my chickens oyster shells which you can purchase at most feed stores or online. You can also give them ground up eggshells, but I don’t recommend this as it could lead to the chickens pecking at their own eggs if they are looking for more calcium. A chance not worth taking, because eating their own eggs is a very hard habit to get rid of.
Providing your chickens with a healthy and varied diet will provide you with the healthiest eggs ever. Try to avoid giving them table scraps or foods with little nutritional value. And never give them food that is rotting or spoiled. To find out more about what not to feed your chickens, see 15 Things You Should Avoid Feeding Your Chickens.
Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and healthy chickens and eggs.
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The Seven Best Thrift Shops Near Monterey
There are so many things I love about living where I do–the people, the beauty, and all the festivals and fun things to do. If you love to shop and you love deals, you will be in heaven. You will find some of the best thrift stores you can imagine here. They are just brimming with all kinds of mind-boggling deals that will leave you feeling giddy and your wallet happy. So without further ado, here is my list of the top thrift stores near Monterey, California.
Carmel Thrift Stores
Four thrift stores are all within walking distance. They are located in the Carmel Rancho Square Shopping Center, directly adjacent to the Barnyard. The shops don’t open until 10 a.m., so if you are an early bird, I recommend grabbing coffee or a bite to eat at either the Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Company or Lafayette Bakery & Cafe. Both are located in The Barnyard, which is just next door.
Beautiful flowers and benches surround the Barnyard Shopping Center adjacent to four of the thrift shops. 
A mid-century Italian desk with fascinating little drawers is a star attraction at John’s Consignment. - Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop. I have found beautiful pieces of Limoges china and lovely clothing here for less than ten dollars. You can also often find high end jewelry and designer shoes and luxury sunglasses at a discount. They also have a book store and a furniture store. While they have a great selection, most things are priced a bit on the high side for a thrift store, but you can still find bargains if you search. Things you are likely to find here: *designer clothing, shoes and accessories *antique china *jewelry. Address: 26388 Carmel Rancho Lane, Carmel, CA 993923. Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
- SPCA for Monterey County Benefit Shop is located directly across the street from the Yellow Brick Shop. I have to say that this is my favorite Carmel Thrift store because I almost always find a deal here. I bought a doggy stroller for my puppy for only ten dollars, and they often have unique antique pieces and artwork very reasonably priced. Things you are likely to find here: *pet supplies *antiques *furniture *clothing. Address: 26364 Carmel Rancho Lane, Carmel, CA 93923. Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
- John’s Consignment is right next door. You will immediately be heartily welcomed by John or other staff and given priority attention if you have any questions. I loved a cute little desk in the corner, and John provided me with every detail about it including style, age, and where it came from. Everything has been carefully curated by the owner. Things you are likely to find here: *unique vintage furniture *artwork *home decor. Address: 26362 Carmel Rancho Lane, Carmel, CA, 93923. Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
- Just a few steps down to the corner is Joining Hands Benefit Shop. They also have a little bit of everything here and apparently they have specials. I found a signed piece of artwork here priced at $5 and was told it was only $4! Always love these kinds of surprises. Things you are likely to find here: *clothing *furniture *antiques *jewelry. Address: 26358 Camel Rancho Lane, Carmel, CA 93923. Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
So much to see at Joining Hands Benefit Shop! Pacific Grove & Monterey Thrift Shops
Pacific Grove and Monterey have all kinds of cute little shops, but my favorites are the thrift stores. And luckily, two are within walking distance of each other. Be aware that finding parking here can be a bit tricky, especially at the Goodwill. If you want to grab a bite to eat, check out Happy Girl Kitchen Company near Second Chance Thrift Store at 173 Central Ave. in Pacific Grove. In Monterey, I recommend Paris Bakery Cafe at 271 Bonifacio Place, which is near Branches Resale Shoppe.
- Second Chance Thrift Store can seem overwhelming because it does kind of resemble a hoarder’s paradise with stuff jumbled everywhere. But you just never know what might turn up! Things you are likely to find here: *furniture *clothing *household items. Address: 105 Central Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA 93950. Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
- Goodwill Central Coast seems tiny at first, but you can find some pretty cool stuff here. I have found some awesome pyrex dishes and children’s games and puzzles. They also have housewares, linens, shoes and clothing. Things you are likely to find here: *mid-century dishes and other vintage items *brand name clothing *home decor *books. Address: 571 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey, CA 93940. Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily.
- Branches Resale Shoppe is such a fun place to thrift, and the staff are super friendly and helpful. I have found really cool vintage items and books here, but they have so much more, and there is a high turnover of merchandise. Things you are likely to find here: *seasonal items *furniture *household items. Address: 480 Webster Street, Monterey, CA 93940. Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday.
Thank you for visiting my blog. You may also like Thrift Store Treasures: How to Find the Best Deals. Wishing you peace, joy, happiness, & happy thrifting!
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The Real Truth About Eggs
One of my favorite things about living on a farm is having a huge chicken coop full of feathered friends. I love heading up to the coop each day to retrieve my bounty of freshly laid eggs. I also love sharing them with my neighbors and friends. Having raised chickens for several years now, I tend to be asked the same questions over and over. There are many fallacies floating around out there. Just to set everyone straight, here is the real truth about eggs.
1. Don’t you need a rooster for your chickens to lay eggs?
Truth: No! You do not need a rooster. Hens lay eggs with or without a rooster. The only reason you would need a rooster is if you wanted to have baby chicks.
2. Do eggs need to be refrigerated immediately after being laid?
Truth: No, they do not. Eggs are naturally created with a bloom. The bloom is a protective layer that seals the egg and prevents bacteria from getting inside. The bloom also helps prevent moisture from escaping. Fresh eggs can be kept unrefrigerated for up to two to four weeks. Isn’t nature amazing? Washing an egg destroys the protective bloom, and that is why the eggs you buy at the store have to be refrigerated right away. They have been washed with chemicals and coated with oil. The government requires this to prevent prevent potential food poisoning from salmonella, which is more likely to occur at huge egg production facilities.
3. Does the color of an egg affect the taste? Are brown eggs the best?
Truth: Color doesn’t have any affect on the taste of the egg. Does chocolate milk come from a brown cow? Of course not. All eggs are the same on the inside, no matter what color they are on the outside. They are nutritionally equivalent.
4. Can an egg turn into a chicken?
Truth: The only way an egg can turn into a baby chick is if it is fertilized by a rooster. In order to hatch, eggs also need to be consistently kept at a very warm temperature and specific humidity level and turned regularly for 21 days. There is absolutely no way there would ever be a baby chick unless these very strict requirements were met.
5. Are egg yolks bad for you?
Truth: Egg yolks have more fat and cholesterol than egg whites, but this does not mean they are unequivocally bad for you. Some folks with health issues may want to refrain from eating them, but for most people they are fine. Talk to your doctor to find out if they are safe for you to eat.
Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope I answered any questions you have about eggs. To learn more about the difference between store-bought vs. farm-fresh eggs see which is best?. You may also enjoy 5 Super Easy Ways to Use Up Eggs. Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!
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How to Make Fresh Jasmine Blossom Honey
The jasmine is starting to bloom and I am in heaven. The small, delicate white blossoms are so pretty, and is there any fragrance more intoxicating? The scent is said to bring a state of balance and serenity to the soul. It is definitely calming. This recipe for jasmine blossom honey will knock your socks off. It’s quite simple, and oh so yummy.
Ingredients
1 cup filtered honey
2 cups jasmine blossoms*
Use only organic, food grade flowers. The best time to pick jasmine is early in the morning when the blossoms have barely opened. At this time, they will have their maximum fragrance. Make sure to remove all stems and leaves from the blossoms and either compost or throw them away.
Directions
Heat 1 cup of water in a double boiler (or use a heatproof bowl over a water filled saucepan). Bring water to a boil, then add honey to the bowl and stir until liquid. Add the flowers to the honey and stir gently, then remove from heat. Let steep for 1-2 hours, then warm until liquid again. Strain out the flowers using a mesh sieve.
The honey can be kept for up to one week in the refrigerator. It is delicious with yogurt, cheese, fresh fruit, and tea. You may also like Fresh Figs With Cheese, Honey & Thyme and Simple & Delicious Lavender Lemonade. Wishing you peace, love, happiness, & beautiful vistas!
*Ensure that you are using true jasmine from the Oleaceae, or olive family. There are some false jasmines that are highly toxic. These include Day Blooming, Night Blooming, Carolina and Cape jasmine. For more information see false jasmine.
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Simple & Delicious Lavender Lemonade
Spring is here in Monterey County, and that means the lavender is in full bloom. Seeing the hillside covered in these glorious purple blooms is an amazing treat, and their scent is so heavenly. I love that lavender is a perennial, meaning it comes back year after year, and also that it tolerates drought. I have several varieties growing here on my farm, and I love all the wonderful things you can do with it. One of my favorite uses for it is this simple and delicious lavender lemonade. It is so easy to make, and so refreshing. The tartness of the lemons mingled with the floral sweetness of the lavender is so yummy. It is definitely my go-to springtime drink.
I love making things like this that only have a few ingredients. What could be easier? The other great thing about this is it will also fill your house with a fabulous fragrance. Since I am in the process of potty training my new puppy (see last weeks post 11 Fun Facts About Great Pyrenees), this is an added bonus for me, haha!
INGREDIENTS
3 teaspoons lavender (use only organic, unprocessed lavender)
1 cup sugar (can substitute honey)
2 cups water (for syrup)
2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (will require around 8-10 lemons)
5 cups cold water
HOW TO MAKE IT
- Combine sugar, water and lavender in a pot, bring to a boil, then immediately remove from heat and let steep for about 15 minutes.
- Strain lavender from the syrup using a fine mesh sieve (the cooked lavender can then be thrown away).
- Once the simple syrup has cooled, combine it with the lemon juice and cold water. Add ice cubes and fresh lavender garnish as desired.
HELPFUL TIPS
- Do not overcook or oversteep your simple syrup or it may be too strong and overpower the lemonade
- This mocktail can easily turn into a cocktail by adding a splash of vodka or gin.
I hope you enjoy this recipe! You can always increase or decrease the sugar, simple syrup, and lemon ingredients to your liking. Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, & beautiful vistas.
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11 Fun Facts About Great Pyrenees
I recently adopted a Great Pyrenees puppy from a local rescue group. I had been wanting this type of dog for some time, but I really wanted to get a rescue vs. from a breeder. My chance finally arrived. The minute I saw that fluffy bundle of fur, my heart skipped a beat. When I looked into his sweet face and Jake wagged his tail, it was love at first sight.
While I knew a little about Great Pyrenees, I have recently learned so much more. They have a truly fascinating history. Here are some fun facts you may not know about this majestic breed.
- One of the oldest dog breeds, they originated in Asia. Traveling nomads are thought to have brought them to the Pyrenees mountain range separating France and Spain. Fossilized remains of the breed found in the region have dated to 1000-1800 BC!
- Mountain shepherds used these dogs to protect their flocks from predators like wolves and bears. They became beloved to shepherds and their families for their ageless devotion. According to Great Pyrenees Club of America, “when not working the flocks, you would find Patou, as he is lovingly called, laying on the mat in the front doorway of the shepherds’ humble dwellings.”
- By the 14th century, Great Pyrenees became prized by nobility, who used them to guard their grand chateaux. In fact, the Dauphin in the court of Louis the XIV adopted the Great Pyrenees as a royal dog during his reign!
- Due to their keen intellect, exceptional sense of smell and eyesight, and massive size, these dogs were counted equal to two men, with a special ability to identify and distinguish predators or unwelcome intruders.
- In 1662, Basque fishermen brought GPs to Newfoundland as companions and guardians for their new settlement.
- The Marquis de Lafayette, a French military officer who fought in the American Revolutionary War with George Washington, brought the first GPs to America in 1824 as a gift for his friend J. S. Skinner, author of “The Dog and the Sportsman”.
- Great Britain’s Queen Victoria owned a Great Pyrenees, and in 1885, the first GPs were registered with the kennel club in London and shown at the Crystal Palace.
- During the 1870s, GPs were used with other large breeds to help prevent the St. Bernard from becoming extinct due to avalanches and distemper issues in Switzerland.
- These guys are huge. As a giant breed, most GPs will need up to 24 months to reach their adult size. They can weigh anywhere tween 85 to 160 pounds, and stand 25-32 inches.
- Despite their imposing size and ability to defend against the most vicious foes, GPs are truly gentle giants. Their instinct is to care for and be kind to and patient with those in their protection. They are loving and nurturing with small, young, or sick animals.
- GPs love to patrol their borders and are known to wander off. Even now, when I take my little guy outside, he is off exploring the minute I turn my back. Thankfully, my farm is completely fenced in, and my puppy is microchipped and has a tag on his collar with all my information.
I hope you enjoyed learning some fun facts about Great Pyrenees as much as I did! For more information, see AKC Great Pyrenees. You may also like Puppy Love! Favorite Dog Quotes. Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas.
