Peach Blossom

 

The Bees Have Discovered the Peach Blossom

It didn't take long for the bees to discover that the peach tree was flowering!  The whole tree is buzzing with bees!

Peach Tree in Bloom

I have been trying to take some pictures of the peach tree, but, I'm finding it hard to truly capture its presence in the garden.

The Peach Tree

But, it's the first thing my eyes are drawn to when I look outside.  

I just love how pink they are!

Love the colors!

We've had some record breaking warm weather for this time of the year with temperatures going up to 86F mid-week.  The heat is encourating the peach tree to flower quickly.

One Last Photo

I hope you enjoyed the peach blossom as much as I am enjoying them.  

The New Dutch Oven

 

The New Dutch Oven

We unboxed the new Dutch oven over the weekend.  It came with the red silicon holders.  

New Dutch Oven and Lid

Apparently, the lid can be used as another pan, as well!  I can see myself baking some cornbread in it, or, perhaps even a pie.

2-in-1 "Per"-Seasoned Multi Cooker

Not only that, it is "per"-seasoned, as well!

Well, of course, there was just one thing left to do, wasn't there?

Trying out the new Dutch Oven

Yes, we had to try out the new Dutch oven.  The expired yeast proofed just fine and the no-knead bread with fresh rosemary leaves added to the dough rose well.

A Fresh Loaf of Bread

Daughter and I agreed that this was the best loaf of no-knead bread we've made so far.  We are rather pleased with ourselves and our bread making abilities.  LOL.  I can see myself needing to buy more flour and yeast in the future!

I am grateful for:

- Daughter buying me a Dutch oven
- It came pre-seasoned so we could use it right away
- The yeast did its job perfectly well

- A working oven
- Freshly baked bread for dinner

My joyful activities included baking bread and enjoying warm bread with butter.

What would you make in the lid?  Any suggestions?  

February Grocery Shopping Part 1

On Monday, February 2, I ordered and picked up some groceries.  I needed a few items I was out of (milk, coconut milk, bananas, cucumber, carrots, onions) and wanted to stock up on a few things (rice, coconut milk, oil), and take advantage of sales and digital coupons before they expired. 

Here's my receipt showing what I bought:  

Order Summary

Original Item Total$128.21

Item Coupons/Sales-$30.60

Fulfillment Fee+$0.00

Other Fees+$0.40

Sales Tax+$1.36

Order Total$99.37

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Item Details

25 Items

CA Redem Val$0.60

1 x $0.60 each

CA Redem Val$0.60

1 x $0.60 each

Choice Beef Chuck Roast, 1 ct$19.50

2.79 lbs x $6.98 $10.99 each (approx.)

Item Coupon/Sale: -$11.16

Cucumber, 1 ct$0.59

1 x $0.59 $0.99 each

Item Coupon/Sale: -$0.40

Fresh Bunch of Bananas – 5-7 Bananas, 1 bunch$1.86

2.7 lbs x $0.68 each (approx.)

Haagen-Dazs Vanilla Milk Chocolate Almond Ice Cream Bars, 3 Count, 3 ct$5.98

2 x $2.99 $6.99 each

Item Coupon/Sale: -$3.00

Item Coupon/Sale: -$3.00

Item Coupon/Sale: -$1.00

Item Coupon/Sale: -$1.00

Kroger® 100% Pure Vegetable Oil, 48 fl oz$4.29

1 x $4.29 $4.49 each

Item Coupon/Sale: -$0.20

Kroger® Cage Free Large White Eggs, 18 ct$3.49

1 x $3.49 $4.39 each

Item Coupon/Sale: -$0.90

Kroger® Honey Sweet BBQ Sauce, 18 oz$2.29

1 x $2.29 each

Kroger® Long Grain Rice, 10 lb$14.98

2 x $7.49 each

Kroger® White Sandwich Bread, 20 oz$1.99

1 x $1.99 each

Kroger® Whole Carrots Bag, 2 lb$1.99

1 x $1.99 each

Kroger® Whole Vitamin D Milk 32 fl. oz. Bottle, 1 qt$2.49

1 x $2.49 each

Kroger® Yellow Onion 3 lb Bag, 3 lb$2.99

1 x $2.99 each

Oscar Mayer Classic Wieners Hot Dogs, Pack, 10 ct$1.99

1 x $1.99 $4.99 each

Item Coupon/Sale: -$2.00

Item Coupon/Sale: -$1.00

Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh Rotisserie Seasoned Chicken Breast Thin Sliced Lunchmeat, 16 oz$5.99

1 x $5.99 $9.99 each

Item Coupon/Sale: -$3.00

Item Coupon/Sale: -$1.00

Simple Truth Organic™ Coconut Milk, 13.5 fl oz$12.00

6 x $2.00 $2.49 each

Item Coupon/Sale: -$0.49

Item Coupon/Sale: -$0.49

Item Coupon/Sale: -$0.49

Item Coupon/Sale: -$0.49

Item Coupon/Sale: -$0.49

Item Coupon/Sale: -$0.49

Sparkling Ice® Summer LTO Lemonade Variety Pack (Pack of 12), 12 ct / 17 fl oz$13.99

1 x $13.99 each

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Other Fees

$0.40

Bag Fee$0.40

4 x $0.10 each

My  February grocery budget is $250 plus $57.42 carried over from January to be used mostly for stocking up = $307.42

Total spent to date = $99.37

Balance left in the budget = $307.42 - $99.37 = $208.05

As always, I am grateful for:

- Being able to order groceries online and pick up the same day
- The availability of groceries
- Being able to have a choice
- A safe drive to the store and back
- A working fridge/freezer and electricity to run it

Have you grocery shopped yet in February?