This time of the summer brings some of the most delicious rewards from the gardens---NOT my garden, but the wonderful gardens of others. Others who so kindly share their crops with us! Kind and generous friends who know we LOVE to welcome their homegrown produce into our home!
I just had to take a picture of some of the scrumptious veggies that have been given to us recently.
Tomatoes, green beans, corn, cucumbers, zucchini, and yellow squash are are in abundance here in the mid-west and are we ever glad!
Aren't they beautiful?
The little cardboard baskets I put the vegetables in, just for YOU, are from Stephenson's , a local orchard and restaurant that were in operation for many years until recently.
I made many a good apple pie from the Johnathans I picked off the trees in their orchards. Their restaurant was famous for their apple daiquiris and pork chops AND wonderful apple cider.
They still have their fruit stand in operation and continue to sell locally grown items---right now they have peaches! If you find yourself in Independence, MO, area you might look them up!
I had a brunch here yesterday for some of my very special friends. This is a piece of leftover quiche I had for lunch today---along with the most tasty cucumbers and tomatoes!
Note, THE STONE RABBIT decided the red bandanna would make a nice "gardeny" touch to my photo! I think he was absolutely right about that!
This says it all!
It was a delightful summer lunch--just me and my concrete bunny and some of the best veggies ever!
Sharleen, from LUTICIA CLEMENTINE'S brought this sweet daisy bouquet to me this morning--fresh from her flower garden!
Daisies are one of my favorite flowers---I carried them and yellow roses in my wedding bouquet! The wedding was a very long time ago and I have forgotten many, many things since then, but I still recall my pretty little bouquet!
THE STONE RABBIT really loved those flowers, too!
Sharleen, this little photo is for you!
I hope all of you are also enjoying the bounty of this wonderful summer.
DANA
Hi Dana,
Ooh, those veggies look good - make me want to live on a farm (almost...). They do look delicious. The little cardboard baskets, make me remember the old farm stands that used to be here when I was a kid. We'd get a flat of strawberries.
That leftover lunch looks really good - quiche and iced tea with fresh veggies - absolutely yum!
Daisies & yellow roses sound very pretty for your bouquet. Whenever I see daisies now I think of Meg Ryan saying "Daisies are the happiest flower" or something close to that in You've Got Mail. Just plain happy, you know?
The Stone Rabbit does look quite at home in the garden with the bandanna, think he had the right idea there.
...And yes, I'm still singing ABBA songs - I loved the way they did the Thank you for the Music at the end with the credits and how it sounded like a song from the olden days - kind of like In the Good Ole Summertime kind of feel - did you stay to listen to it? Wow, this is one long comment.
Now, please pass the quiche?
xo~Tracie
Tracie, How do you want me to send the quiche to you? ;-)
Yes, we stayed for the credits and just loved the song "Thank You for the Music"----plus the guys in their spandex and tall shoes! What fun!
Posted by: Tracie | July 22, 2008 at 04:24 PM
Oh how honored I am to be your friend and finish off my day at the shop with your blog. I was just hoping...you had done one. It always makes me smile. Thanks as always - for the sunshine you put in all our days. Sharleen
Posted by: sharleen | July 22, 2008 at 04:45 PM
Isn't Summer grand?
I think the "Stone Rabbit" looks sporting in his bandana, yippe yay, yippie ya....
I loved Stephensons apple fritters, my favorite, and their green rice,delicious.
Lovely post
Jill xoo
Jill, HOW could I have forgotten the fritters and green rice? You are so correct--they were wonderful!
Dana
Posted by: Jill | July 22, 2008 at 06:19 PM
Greetings.
Your bounty of fresh goodness looks as good as I'm sure it tastes.
That TSR is such a fashionable fellow. I'm thinking he is destined for GQ.
Posted by: Beverly | July 22, 2008 at 06:44 PM
Hi Dana - what a lovely blog post... What sweet and generous friends you have, and stone rabbit looks marvelous (as always)...
I must say I'm heartsick over the kitty ending as well. I could have gone on and on in my blogpost, but it would have been so long... The kitty is an indoor/outdoor kitty. And we don't have a leash law for cats in our town, which I desperately wish we did. If I hadn't already spent over $500 (yes, you read that right) on the emergency visit and the regular vet visit, I would have offered them the money to have his dental done. However, the vet did say that because of his advanced age (the owners later told me he is 17 years old), he might not even make it through the surgery. The family had five children who love the kitty (they had kitty before any of the kids came along) and I know money is tight for them... It's just a heartwrenching story all around... Thank you for caring though. I had hoped for a "Twiggy" ending, too... Hugs,Donna
Posted by: An Enchanted Cottage | July 22, 2008 at 07:58 PM
I just love stopping at the what we call "corn stand" to pick up fresh yummies to add to dinner. Your plate looks good, got any left, I'll be over right away, LOL. Love your use of scrabble tiles - cool idea.
Hugs - Karen
Posted by: Karen | July 23, 2008 at 04:57 AM
Good morning Dana :)
After reading this post, I am starving! Do you think the stone rabbit would share with me???
I love Daisies too :)
hugs,
rue
Posted by: rue | July 23, 2008 at 06:05 AM
Good morning, Dana. Those veggies look great! Especially the tomatos and cucumbers. nummy! (although I cannot eat them right now).
And I love the idea of the scrabble letters.. HOw cool is that?
PLEASE stop by my blog today for a special award I gave you.
Posted by: Alexandra | July 23, 2008 at 07:03 AM
Your pictures are so beautiful and I love the rabbit. BTW - saw Mama Mia yesterday! Still singing today...
Posted by: Ceekay | July 23, 2008 at 08:27 AM
You've got to stop by my blog and see the bunny pics...hopefully this won't upset the Stone Rabbit too much.
Jillian
Posted by: Jillian | July 23, 2008 at 08:31 AM
OHHH what yummy looking vegetables! How fortunate to have such wonderful friends! I cannot wait until my tomatoes start ripening and the corn stand has corn! Your leftovers looked so yummy! The Stone Rabbit looks happy in his bandana!
Have a great day!
Kim
Posted by: Kim V | July 23, 2008 at 08:32 AM
Hi Dana! Thanks for visiting me again! I love your comments! I shall post the pink flamingo with his sign later this fall!
Hugs!
Kim
Posted by: Kim V | July 23, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Dana your pictures are delicious. I love the scrabble letters, what a great idea. My family is also enjoying summer bounty, I love it. This is one of things I missed the most about Missouri.
~Jill
Posted by: Jill | July 23, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Oh, all those fresh veggies look YUMMY and those daisies just remind me of summer...so fresh looking!! The stone rabbit looks dashing in his red bandana.
Posted by: Darlene | July 23, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Hello Dana
I love this post!! The food looks so yummy and I love the little vignettes you photgraphed. It is all so cheerful. The stone rabbit looks very cute in the red bandana too.
Hugs, Rhondi
Posted by: rhondi | July 23, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Tell Bonnie I said hello, and thanks for stopping by.
Posted by: Beverly | July 23, 2008 at 03:31 PM
That is a very creative post! I love your daisies! And the quiche looks delicious!
Have a great day,
Diane
Posted by: Diane@A Picture is Worth | July 23, 2008 at 05:50 PM
Yum oh! Summer veggies...awwww...corn on the cobb, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, etc. I can practically live off of fresh veggies and cornbread. Oh my my!
Hugs!
Kat
Posted by: Kat | July 24, 2008 at 10:53 AM
What a charming tablescape! I had trouble reading your whole post because my mouth was drowning! You really have the knack!
I have taught tablescapes. It's one of my loves. So, I truly appreciate seeing inviting table settings.
Hope your day is going well!
KJ
Posted by: KJ | July 24, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Dana, I never know what to expect whenever I visit your blog! They are SO original and FUN! I just think you are a rare talent and if you'll stop by my blog, I have an award for you!
Posted by: Jean | July 24, 2008 at 05:50 PM
Dana, all that fresh produce looks so good! You are very lucky!
Your quiche and peach drink look very delicious too.
Hugs, Pat
Posted by: Pat | July 25, 2008 at 05:59 PM
Yummy indeed! What beautiful veggies. I love how you always use the scrabble letters.
Great pics!
Nikki
Posted by: Nikki | July 26, 2008 at 02:39 PM