Friday, HP, gardens and plans

June 27 is Handsome partner's birthday.  He died in 2011 on Handsome Son's birthday, so we decided to celebrate HP on his own birthday and reserve Handsome Son's own birthday for him. 

I had strawberries and graham crackers for breakfast, the strawberries in HPs honor, his favorite fruit, always at its best around his birthday. I used to feature strawberries in his birthday cake.

Friday I took sugar to the food pantry and found that the person who runs it has to do everything. So when I send my quarterly donation check, she has to go do the shopping. It adds to her workload. So I decided I'll spend the equivalent on useful nonperishables from Misfits and take that over instead.

Summer is a hungry time, with school out, and no lunch programs. She showed me her empty shelves. In our small town there are fifty families, all working people,  but unable to meet their expenses and needing the food pantry. 

I encourage everyone who wants to help to check locally what's needed, then provide what we can. Now more than ever it's a good thing to do. With bigger food banks, more employees and food contacts, money is more useful, but it pays to check their preference.

Today the daylilies are bursting out, and the patio looks so summery. Also cool enough to be out there. 

See all the buds on the hibiscus. Last year was its first, with two blooms. This year will be a bit more showy.

And I'm making more cordage, to continue the basket. I love doing this and my hands are limited in how long they can do the movements without locking up. So I seize the day, so as to have a supply ready.

Below is an experiment with fine rushes. They wouldn't twist, so I braided them into a decorative shape to attach to the finished basket 

This is how you use a clipboard for braiding. It's also good for  small weaving, especially paper strips.
 

And I baked the carrot cake. 

I included dried cranberries, but omitted the walnuts I had thought about including, because the boy next door is seriously allergic to nuts, and I wanted to share.

It's nice but so labor intensive no wonder it's special. All that grating of carrots. It's quite rich so I may not bother with a fancy frosting.  

Meanwhile my neighbors are happy with their share, showed me the kitchen they're renovating (I know, I've been hearing it happening nights and weekends for ages), and their daughter recruited me to help with her girl scout Gold Award. She's doing a project to help seniors avoid financial online scams.  

I'll be happy to help. I've worked with girl scout Gold Award projects before.  

Gary will also have his share of cake. 

Late addition: the cake got excellent reviews!

I have the fourth season of Foyle for my weekend viewing. The only little drawback to watching a series is the signature tune earworm.. currently it's Pie in the Sky, soon to be replaced by Foyle.

Friday evening I'm online with friends, so I have to remember to get supper in time.

Happy day everyone, please feed people if you can, sez 

Ted and Big Ursy 

Backed up by Food Warrior Fluffy.