Happy May Day!
japra | May 01, 2008 | Comments 12
Flowers in Valley Garden, Windsor Great Park, England. I took this photo in May 2007. I am sad to say I haven’t been to the gardens this year yet.
Roxi’s drama celebration was fun. There were about 13 kids performing nine different skits and poems. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was great to see the kids in a variety of roles. Many of the actors also took part in the musical presentations, including Roxi and her friend who sang “For Good” from the musical Wicked. Other musical performances included a dance, some other songs, and guitar, violin and oboe solos.
Mama DJ blew into town with a 12-pack of American root beer for our Star. You should have seen Roxi’s face!
So in the middle of all the rain we had yesterday, Trudy decided she NEEDED to go outside. She stayed outside for about an hour sniffing around and getting really muddy. She was obsessed with one corner of our garden. Sniff sniff sniff sniff! I finally called her in and toweled her down. Smelly dog! She was inside for about 10 minutes when all of a sudden she got really perky. I looked outside just as a small fox ran diagonally across our garden, leaped into our raised flower beds and somehow got out of our yard. I let Trudy out as soon as I knew the fox was safe, and oh boy! Trudy tore around the yard, splashing and sliding and having a wild time. She was a mess when she came back in. I wish I had taken a photo!
So, I didn’t know foxes could get into our backyard. Our yard is pretty small and is surrounded by fences and other people’s gardens on three sides. But I know there is a ditch on the other side of one of our neighbors, so I guess that is how he (she?) is getting in. It was really exciting!
BTW, since you all seemed interested in the Beer Cheese Soup, I thought I should tell you that instead of half-and-half, I substitute one can of evaporated milk plus enough regular milk to make up 4 cups. I also use 2 bottles or 2 cans of beer, throw in about 1.5-2 cups of diced potato with the other veggies, and use the strongest cheddar I can find (extra, extra mature). That recipe makes a lot of soup, by the way, but it’s really good the next day and the next. Or if you’re having company, make it the night before and just reheat it on the stove or in a crockpot. It’s great with baguette, homemade croutons, or breadsticks. I haven’t tried it with popcorn.
Last night, I made oven BBQ chicken. Last summer, I realized why people don’t grill a lot here. THE RAIN! I think about half of my BBQs rained out and I had to finish the meat in the oven. I haven’t used my grill in so long! About six months ago, I figured out how to make a pretty good oven BBQ chicken. I use skin-on thighs and drumsticks, but you can use a whole chicken if you like, just cut it up. I mix up a batch of a Kansas City Rub, something like this maybe, and then cook the chicken until it is nearly done. About 15 minutes before the timer goes off, take your favorite BBQ sauce and brush it carefully all over the top of the chicken. Cook until done. It’s great with mashed potatoes and green beans. It’s not authentic BBQ, but hey, I’m not about to go standing out in the rain just for a little chicken!
And lastly, Mr. DJ’s office sent around an email warning people not to carry their laptops around on the streets today because of possible protests and riots. Lovely, huh? So May 1st isn’t just for flowers, it’s also International Workers’ Day.
About the Author: JaPRA is an expat Texan living in England with her husband (Mr. DJ), their 17-year old daughter (Roxi), and their dog Trudy.
Wow, that post covered a lot of territory!
1. Happy May Day!
2. Beautiful picture, of course.
3. ((clapping for Roxi))
4. TRUDY!!!!!!!! Good doggy, good doggy, who’s a good doggy?!
5. I bet that cheese soup would taste good with that BBQ chicken.
6. Be careful out there Mr. DJ!
7. Did you trade my Marmite for Mama DJ’s root beer? :)
Laurie–Yes, ma’am! A jar of the “good stuff” is on its way to Texas. I am not sure when there will be a hand off, but probably in a couple of weeks. I know you can’t wait–bwah-haha!! I’ll look forward to hearing the results of your taste test ;-)
I have to laugh at Laurie’s comments, because that is exactly what I was thinking! (I was just trying to think about what to comment on first.)
I wiki’d “May Day” earlier and also discovered the “International Worker’s Day” connection. And I thought it was all about maypoles! Check out the Sarah Laurence Blog for Oxford’s famous (infamous) take on May Day.
Are those azaleas? We have a tiny shrub (planted last summer) that just came into bloom. Reminds me of Houston, of course.
Thanks for the cheese soup lowdown. I am definitely going to try that one. It sounds good for company.
How long is your mom-in-law visiting? Did she bring YOU a special treat?
Oh, and Laurie — you can get Marmite in Houston for sure!
Have you ever been to the British Store in the Village (by Rice U)?
Bee–Mama DJ brought me some flavored coffee, which I haven’t found here. She doesn’t stay long, usually one night, two if we’re lucky. Do you know where you can buy decent, unfrozen crumpets in Houston?
Sounds like you could use one of these for those rainy day BBQ’s.
Bee – I’ve been to that store!!
:)
About the crumpets: again, I would try the British Store . . . if they don’t have them, you can at least inquire.
BBQ and grills: last summer was so dismal that we never stopped eating soup. Maybe this summer? Or we could go with BSR’s suggestion.
We should make a trek to the Whole Foods in London and see if they have flavored coffee! And if they don’t, we can try Harrods or Fortnum & Mason!
Where does Mama DJ live that she can scoot in and out so fast?
Yea for Roxi!! And yea for root beer!!
That’s funny about the fox. I know what it’s like to have unexpected wildlife show up in your yard. Remember the infamous black bear?
Yippee!
Bee, I’m here in Beaumont, but that store sounds fascinating. Next time I’m in Houston, I’m going to check it out.
Hey you guys–I’m glad you’re talking amongst yourselves! Too bad I can’t offer you a nice beverage and some appetizers ;-)
Brave Sir Robin–YOU ARE AWESOME! I am definitely going to order one of those. Swoon! Gosh, it’s actually quite sad that I am so excited about a kitchen appliance. Now if only I could find some mesquite. I did see some smoking chips at the store today. There’s hope!
Bee–My MIL is one awesome bird. She lives in Texas, but she has flight privileges through a relative. We are so lucky that she comes out to see us as often as she does.
Alyson–I do remember your bear! You are so brave. Do you guys have any other wildlife roaming your property?
Laurie–I have heard some nice things about that store. Last year when my parents visited they got totally hooked on a particular orange marmalade here. They found it in Texas, but they said that it wasn’t as fresh as what they had here–maybe from sitting around in containers on the boat? Be assured that your Marmite will be FRESH! ;-)
Yes we do. We get bunnies and tons of frogs all over the yard. We get lots of wild turkeys. We also have raccoons, possums, etc. I have heard rumors of bobcats, but have never seen one around. I think I’d actually be more scared of a bobcat than a bear!
Alyson–Wow, wild turkeys! Your area sounds really neat. I bet the kids love it.