Excuse our Website Changes in Progress

I've been making changes to our blog site today so I can separate my Sunday posts from the Porch Swing posts. I mentioned previously changes were on the horizon for Porch Swings & Sweet Tea and I have added those to the Blog site.

For many years the Sheriff and I have had gatherings of friends and family to our home for meals and entertainment or just to visit. The more the merrier for us. These events I used to test my cooking skills and expand them at the same time. Many have asked for my recipes that were fixed at these events.

 I learned my beginning cooking skills from the Sheriff's mom while we were dating. She pretty much put the spatula in my hand and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone. The kitchen was definitely out of my comfort zone. Growing up, myself and my sister were NOT allowed to cook or do anything that would make a mess in our mom's kitchen. She was and still is a neat freak. She was the person following behind you with a rag and cleaner wiping everything around you while you're trying to prepare a meal. Instead of sending her into a nervous breakdown, I decided I would turn to Eva (the Sheriff's saint of a mother) for learning any cooking skills and asking her questions. She taught me almost everything I know and the internet stepped in where she left off. The poor Sheriff has definitely learned to love my meals whether they were a success or a total flop. And, believe me, he's had his fair share of faking a smile when it was a total bust. He is a trooper for sticking with me through the tasty meals and the "get to the trash can as fast as you can" meals. Or the one meal that lasts forever. (cooking for two isn't the same as family size) But that's another story in itself. Bless his loving heart.

I've decided to share some of the well known, much loved recipes that I prepare at Porch Swings & Sweet Tea headquarters. Some are from Eva, some are from my mom and some are recipes I got from the internet and tweaked just a tad to make it my own. Some will have a story tied with them and some will have pictures that follow through each step of the preparation directions. I might even share stories of my cooking flops for those of you who might be hesitant to cook because of your lack of knowledge and experience. I've learned to laugh it off because it didn't kill anyone......yet. Besides, whether you succeeded or failed, you have a story to share. No one is perfect; mistakes happen. You learn from them and the next time you prepare a dish, you will know what not to do.

I hope that you enjoy this new section of the blog and feel free to chime in with suggestions of recipes for me to try or share. I love hearing from my readers.

As always, thank you for taking the time out of your day to stop by my blog. If you enjoy reading the blogs, sign up to receive them by email. I'm also on Facebook and Instagram as well. Have a blessed day!

Visitors to the Porch

Today, I was working in my office trying to concentrate on website information I've been compiling for an organization and looked up from my laptop to see I had company on our porch. It wasn't any company I was going to greet at the door because they are too shy. So, I sat at my desk for a moment or two just enjoying the banter between all of them. Each of them fighting for a spot to sit and grab a bite or nibble before leaving. They are fast. One wrong move from inside and they are gone in a flash. I remembered my camera was behind me, so I slowly reached for it and got it set up to catch some shots of my friends.

 If I'm correct, this little beauty grabbing a bite while fighting off the others is an American Goldfinch. There were several, but I was only able to catch this one at the time. It was pretty windy so while swinging and swaying on the feeder while clutched to the tray on the bottom, this little fellow nibbled and enjoyed his lunch while visiting our porch.

These fellows were some of the many other birds that the Goldfinch was watching for and fighting off while grabbing a quick bite at one of the many feeders we offer on the porch. These birds seem to think they are the dominant ones to visit the porch, but the little Goldfinch held his own when it came to eating. We mainly attract the Cardinals to the porch, but this Spring, we seem to be attracting a little bit more of a variety. I've been outside today working on our flower bed columns. We will be introducing some new flowers that I posted about in the previous blog. Hyacinths will be added to attract more wildlife to our porch and offer their lovely fragrance as we swing, pass the time with visitors and of course, drink our sweet tea.

This guy right here was more focused on getting his meal eaten than me and my camera in the window. He was definitely holding on to the plant stand the feeder was on because the wind was giving him a run for his money. He took breaks from the feeder to fly off and share with the others, but it wasn't long until he was back for seconds, thirds, etc. They all chattered, danced in the air between feeders and gave me quite a show. I guess that is why I love my avian visitors so much. They are entertainers and they make me smile. They also distract me from my work, but I'm okay with that.

As always, thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog. If you enjoy reading my blogs, sign up to receive them by email. Also, feel free to leave comments at the bottom of the posts as well. I love to hear from my readers and will be happy to answer any questions or suggestions received. I'm also on Facebook and Instagram as well.

Thank you and have a Blessed day!