Saturday, February 15, 2020

Red Magnolia, Whale Pot, Chevre and Fig Jam, and Sleeping Dog

Here's some of this and some of that. Sleeping dog, red magnolia, chevre cheese and fig jam and cyclamen in my whale pot.
Red magnolia in my garden in February 2020.
New info added Feb. 20, 2020: this is a Black Tulip Magnolia, which is described as purple or burgundy. I think of it as red, but now I can see it is burgundy. The flowers are shaped like nice plump tulips.
I planted this tree about a year and a half ago and love this pop of red which sings to me in a winter month that is sometimes cold and  dark. I didn't actually plant it, I hired a landscaper who is a family friend to do the hard work. I think the tree is 8 feet tall! I am an old lady, as you know. Old but often joyful, ha ha.
A white cyclamen in my new pot in the shape of a whale.
This is on my patio outside my kitchen sliding glass doors where I can see it often throughout the day.

Goat cheese and fig jam
I happened to find this delicious duo at a locally owned natural foods store: goat cheese (chevre) and fig jam. I had not tried this before, it is ultra tasty on crackers. My new food fling.
My Sleeping Bounce
You know the expression, Let sleeping dogs lie? This photo of my dog Bounce reminds me of that saying. It is a very rare photo of him when he remained asleep when I sneaked up to take the photograph. In all other pictures he opens an eye just to peek at me. I think it is so cute, he is deeply asleep.

This is his nest on my new sofa, between the back of the sofa and the nice plump cushion. He is very secure there.
Lunch with friends
What have I been up to recently? I am organizing two groups to go out to lunch and I will tell anyone who will listen, it is like herding cats. Try finding a day and a restaurant everyone likes but I find it well worth my effort as we get to spend time together. One is a group of widows from my church and the other is people I worked with at the university libraries. Fun people and good company.
I am a volunteer visitor
I also am a volunteer visitor to a retirement/memory care home, and have done that once a week for five years. I did the math, that is 250 visits thus far, and it is very rewarding. People there like to see a faithful visitor who likes them and who is not paid to care about them. It makes me happy too.
Quote about Impossible, from Audrey Hepburn
Nothing is impossible. The word itself says "I'm possible." by Audrey Hepburn, the apex of old-Hollywood elegance.  Found in my Wild Words from Wild Women calendar.

48 comments:

Bag End Gardener said...

What a lovely photo of Bounce, my old girl used to do the same thing and open an eye as soon as I picked up a camera

photowannabe said...

Wonderful post...I'm here from Wanda at "Got a Minute or Two.
Love how your "Bounce" is so cozy on your sofa.
I really like that quote from Audrey Hepburn. I may have to use it sometime.
Sue of photowannabe
https://allredmop.blogspot.com

NanaDiana said...

Hi Terra, I don't think I have ever seen a red magnolia. I didn't realize there were colors other than white. duh....Fun to get a picture of your sleeping boy! lol How wonderful that you are part of the volunteers at the center. I know how rewarding it is when I volunteer with the vets at the VA. Hope you have a great weekend. xo Diana
ps. Everytime I try to reply to you, your email comes back as undeliverable for some reason.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

You really inspire me with your visits to those in the memory loss home. I'm a volunteer at the Hospice house here as a patient visitor and it has been very rewarding. Everyone is so happy to see you....even those visiting the patient. I'm proud of you for doing this for so long. It's not the easiest volunteer work to do. Love the quote and your sweet dog. Hugs!

Lin said...

Hahaha! LOVE the dog photo. Looks like he leads a very good life.

I dread scheduling outings of people. It's crazy to try to pick a date and place that works for everyone. My mom had a group and they would only meet around someone's birthday...and the birthday person would choose the restaurant. That seemed to work. But the date thing is always a pain. Makes me not want to go out most times.

Recycled Cottage & Garden said...

I love the magnolias, cyclamen and the yellow flowers in the background. We are still in the depths of winter, probably for another 6-8 weeks, here in Colorado. It's been a long 40 years since I lived where there was a real winter with snow, I'm ready for Spring!

Jeanie said...

You're right that herding groups of friends is like herding cats. I have a group and I love it when we're together -- and we're lucky if that can happen a couple of times a year. Another group someone else handles, but she has her hands full, too!

Lovely photos here. Oh, to see that blue sky!

Kit said...

Fig jam sounds lovely! Watching pets sleep so contentedly warms the heart. I bet the folks at the home just love you! 😊 Kit

Mevely317 said...

I LOVE cheese, but don't recall ever having tried the chevre. (Note to self!)
That picture of Bounce is adorable, Terra. Ours get in the craziest positions -- and prompt us to giggle like school kids.
I've never heard of being a volunteer visitor! But seeing so many lonely souls at my mom's nursing home, I've a real soft spot for those folks. I'll have to ask our Pastor if she knows of anything like that around here.

Ann said...

Aw, Bounce looks so comfortable. He must have been very tired to not open an eye when you got the picture.

acorn hollow said...

we are under the snow so flowers outside look great to me. That sweet dog awwww.
what a wonderful thing to visit the retirement home. We have a women's group we pick the place and time show up if you can.
cathy

Linda Reeder said...

Oh yes, chevre cheese and fig jam - SO GOOD. And try it with fresh figs and honey when fresh figs are in season!
After years of organizing monthly lunches with retired teachers, I resigned and although everyone enjoyed getting together, no one has picked up the ball. We have had no lunch gatherings since I quit organizing. And yes, it was like herding cats.
I love the red magnolia!

Granny Marigold said...

I love your red magnolia and also the white Cyclamen. Magnolias won't be blooming here for another month or so depending on the kind of spring we get but I always admire them.

Rita said...

Sweet post! Love the photo of Bounce, especially. :)

Bonnie said...

You have been busy! I love the flowers - so pretty. It will be a long time before we have any flowers here. I can understand the challenge of getting a group organized to eat out. Finding a place everyone likes and then coordinating dates is not easy. Bounce looks so sweet sleeping. It's just like watching a sleeping child. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Barb said...

I love to see those beautiful flowers, it gives me hope for spring! We are still in the dead of winter here in Idaho, but I have faith it will come. sooner or later.

Your dog is so cute! I love to see a sleeping dog, it reminds you that all is well in your world, otherwise they would let you know. Such a cutie!

Lunch with friends is a blessing. And what a blessing you are to those you visit at the retirement center...we need more people in the world like you, Tara!! Bless you!

Linda said...

You live such an awesome life! I love all the things you do!
That fig and goat cheese sounds delicious! Wish I could be a member of one of your lunch groups.....but not the widows and I haven't been a co worker....so maybe a third group? and I am not picky! I will go anywhere and eat anything!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Bounce looks very content. About the only time I can get a good picture of Jingles is when she is sleeping, unless I am very sneaky when trying to take a photo. Love fig jam. My Mammaw always made fig preserves and my Aunt Dot made the best biscuits which were a perfect combination and always something I looked forward to when visiting them during the holidays. Did some gardening yesterday on my balcony. Plants make me happy. Have a blessed day.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Oh, forgot to say that I think it is great you are volunteering at the retirement home. I volunteer in the pediatric ward of a hospital here every Thursday. Sure makes you appreciate your health when you see the chronic illnesses that so many children and families are dealing with.

Betsy said...

Hello my friend! The flowers are so pretty. Everything is brown and gray at this time here at our house. I'm so looking forward to green soon. :-) Bounce looks nice and happy. My favorite part of the post though is that you go and visit the retirement home. As someone who likes to do the same thing, I know how much it means to the residents, to have someone come visit who cares about them. Thank you so much for doing that. Who knows? Someday that could be us. No one plans on being in a retirement home someday, do they? Wising you a peaceful Sunday.
Blessings,
Betsy

Ramana Rajgopaul said...

Lovely photographs and the one of the cheese jam made me drool and go look for some goat cheese.

Jennifer said...

Oooohhhh!! Little Bounce! I just want to rub his belly. What a cutie! Your tree is so beautiful. That pop of color this time of year really warms the heart, doesn't it? :) And fig jam with chevre? YUM. This past week at book club the hostess had a block of (I think) cream cheese with jalapeno cherry jelly on top....it was scrumptious!

Have a wonderful week, my friend!

Liz Hinds said...

That magnolia is beautiful! We have a jar of fig jam - I think it came in a Christmas hamper - and didn't know what to do with it, so thank you!

I do not envy you trying to organise lunches - getting people to agree - too wearing!

Wanda said...

Love your bits and things. Oh my...I LOVE FIG JAM, and I've never had it with goat cheese, but with brie, and ricotta. I have several different jars of fig jam, and just can't get enough of it. I love fresh figs too.

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Bounce is a fun name for a pet. Good photo. Your volunteer work is important.

Buttercup said...

I tried to do my last get-together organizing in December and it was a total failure. I've been the organizer for my almost all retired work colleagues and yes, I was herding cats and failing miserably. I may try again in the spring, but I think I'm giving up my party organizer title.

Blondie's Journal said...

Bounce is precious! I love your magnolia...we can't grow them here.😒

Jane

Tabor said...

what a lovely quote from Hepburn. I hope I can remember that! I have had goat cheese and fig jam, but not for ages. It is good. I also guess your weather is pretty warm with the cyclemine outside in the air.

Friko said...

A delightful collection of pictures and activities.
Love your dog and, like you, look forward to new life in the garden.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Terra - I must say I love the magnolia ... while your goat cheese with fig jam looks delicious. Bounce looks very happy ... take care and enjoy your whale with its white spray! ... cheers Hilary

Lark said...

What a darling dog! And I love his name; so cute! :)

Pamela M. Steiner said...

Such a lovely, lively, happy post! I am enjoying reading this and seeing your pictures. Bounce is so cute!!! I can imagine he has a lot of "Bounce" when he wants to! Not so sure about that fig jam and goat cheese combo...I'm glad you like it. Maybe if you named it something different I might try it! LOL. Love the red magnolia blossom/tree. What a beauty!! And so proud of you to visit the people at the "home". I know that does mean a lot. When my MIL was still alive and living at a home, we enjoyed visiting with her and all the other people in her "wing", who were usually in the day room playing Bingo or some other kind of 'activity' when we'd arrive. We'd visit each one and it was such a blessing to them and to us. Now we have moved too far from there to go back, but you have encouraged me to try our local places in our new community area. Thank you for that inspiration. Have a blessed day dear friend!

Marilyn Miller said...

Thanks for coming by Delights of the Heart.
I love goat cheese on crackers too. It is also good with chopped olive.
Cute dog sleeping. Love, love your magnolia.

Dee said...

Dear Terra, one of my favorite foods to eat is dried figs and fig jam is delicious. Having read your posting, I see now that I need to get some goat cheese to accompany that jam! Thank you for the tip! Peace.

Kay said...

I’ve never heard of a red magnolia before but it looks really gorgeous!

Iris Flavia said...

Terra, I did love in your profile the words "I love to giggle and I love what is true".
May I say "me, too" ;-) I had a book I gave to a friend and he fails to give it back, oh, well.
I giggled so hard, and more than once, Hubby came in and asked why I´m crying, hmmm. Seems to sound alike!

That cheese looks yummy! Made red cabbage yesterday with jam (I cannot cook, actually). My Brother said, on the phone, "what? yuck", Hubby tasted and said: "yum"!

Your dog! :-) Cutie pie!

Audrey Hepburn was wise. Great job you do, too.

joeh said...

The red magnolia is beautiful. My mom had a magnolia in Eastern shore MD. had white blossoms and as I recall interesting seed pods? Her tree was about six foot, was maybe 20 foot when she moved. I mostly remember she loved the flowers but complained about the falling leaves, she claimed it was a "dirty plant" because of the leaves. She still loved it.

Arkansas Patti said...

I could definitely do that cheese. It looks great. All I need is fig jam. For some reason you are not showing up on my reading list. I will try to load it again.
Bounce really knows how to relax.

Susan Kane said...

8 feet tall! Will it grow much taller? The bloom of the red magnolia is such a precious color.

Fig and goat cheese--that would be so delicious.

Changes in the wind said...

Thanks for stopping in and leaving a comment. I have never seen a red magnolia..it is beautiful and your whale pot is ever so cute.

Red Rose Alley said...

Your magnolia tree is beautiful, Terra. The color is stunning, and Yes, a nice color to brighten your days during the cold Winter months. The fig jam looks really good. Bounce looks so funny lying on the couch like that - but he sure looks content and peaceful. That is so good of you to volunteer at a retirement home. It's special that you get to know the people there and listen to their stories. What a blessing it is for you too. I was thinking of doing this sometime as well. : )

I hope February has been kind to you.

~Sheri

NanaNor's said...

Dear Terra, so good to see your comment on my blog! I don’t blog much at all these days; always try to be better, but life is busy. Your red Magnolia is so beautiful! I’ve had goat cheese and fig ham and it delicious. You certainly stay busy, good for you. Love seeing your pup sleeping.
Enjoy the mild winter your area is having, ours has been exceptionally cold and snowy.
Hugs,
Noreen

TheAwakenedSoul said...

That sounds wonderful. I'm sure the people at the memory care center are very happy to see you. Your dog looks so peaceful and relaxed. Lovely plants and flowers, too.

Carola Bartz said...

What a brilliant color in a magnolia! Yes, that must be a delightful sight in the winter months. Sometimes I think goat cheese and fig jam were made for each other... How lovely that you visit the retirement home once a week - I can imagine that the people there love to see you spending some time with them. They are blessed and so are you.

Henny Penny said...

Enjoyed this post very much. The magnolia is beautiful! You know, bet I would love the goat cheese and fig jam. Just sounds like something I would love. Kinda like cream cheese and hot jalapeno peach jelly on wheat thins. Bounce is adorable.

Jeanie said...

I know exactly what you mean about gathering women for lunch as herding cats. I have the same problem with a relatively small group of six or seven. I can't imagine a larger one. The same with another group of former work colleagues! I have the fig jam -- maybe I'll pick up some goat cheese this weekend. Wouldn't that be wonderful on Rick's baguette?

Theresa said...

Thank you Terra for visiting me and leaving your sweet comment. I am happy to find your blog and have followed. Beautiful red magnolia, I have never seen one. Enjoy your day new/old friend. Hugs

My Tata's Cottage said...

You share the loveliest things. Bounce looks so content. We had goat cheese with a chipotle raspberry preserve at a baby shower for my DIL Brittany two years ago and so we are hooked on it. There is a cheese importer about 30 minutes from my house. They carry the best and biggest selection of cheese from around the world. It is a fun place to visit. You keep busy and I hope you all had a great lunch together. Always such fun. HUGS