Great Forest Park Balloon Glow

this weekend is the annual great Forest Park Balloon Race. and tonite is the Balloon Glow event!

can't wait.. just hope I can find a place to park!!!

My Vintage Cadillac's

A "RETRO RED" ~ THE Cadillac of the Radio Flyer Scooters ~

A landmark at my Cottage ...always braving the elements..

Subject to conversations by the neighborhood kids..

they come to revel in her glory...

AND ..of course they want to pull the cadillac out for a spin!

this is where SCOOTER often does his best poses !

Last not but least.. is my RED  TRIKE Convertible..

1950's Cadillac that graces the Cottage Garden area...one of my first trikes

{ my mom saved all these years}  Even though she recently lost her steering device..

She still makes for great candlelight ambiance in the Garden!

"True Love admires one's character and ignores any flaws"

I love recycling these old drawers...they can have many purposes.. shadow boxes, garden totes, planters, whatever! 

these are so useful and easy to carry and just the right size... i place all my seed packets in it in the spring... and this time of year keep her around close by with gloves and tools...

besides i think she is as pretty as the blooming flowers around her!...
time worn and oohhh only if she talk ..........the stories of where this lil character has been!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/45273847/country-prim-rustic-garden-seed-tote

Kentucky Derby TraditionS!

The Kentucky Derby is more than just a race -- it's an annual society event.!  
Since the first Derby in 1875,  the race has become steeped in traditions ranging from specific food and drink to proper Derby attire!
True Southern Belles will be adorned with beautiful headpieces! and sipping on Mint Juleps with their Southern Gentlemen!
The traditional luncheon will be served!

Kentucky Derby Hot Browns
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons heavy cream
salt and pepper to taste
2 pounds sliced roasted turkey
1 tomato, thinly sliced
8 slices white bread, toasted
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 slices crispy bacon
Directions
1.Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour with a whisk or fork, and continue to cook and stir until it begins to brown slightly. Gradually whisk in the milk so that no lumps form, then bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Mix in 6 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese and then stir in the beaten egg to thicken. Do not allow the sauce to boil once the egg has been mixed in. Remove from the heat and stir in the cream.
2.Preheat the oven's broiler. For each hot brown, place two slices of toast into the bottom of an individual sized casserole dish. Cover with a liberal amount of roasted turkey and tomato slices. Spoon sauce over the top of each one and sprinkle with some of the remaining Parmesan cheese.
3.Place the dishes under the broiler and cook until the top is speckled brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from the broiler and arrange two slices of bacon in a cross shape on top of each sandwich. Serve immediately.

AND MY FAVORITE !..... although the original pie has very secret ingredients.. there are many versions.... and this happens to be my fav!

Kentucky Derby Pie
1 cup white corn syrup
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup butter, melted
3 eggs- beaten
1 cup chopped pecans
1/3 c kentucky bourbon
6 oz chocolate chips
1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch single crust pie
1.Combine syrup, sugar, salt, & melted margarine. Slightly beat the eggs, and add to sugar mixture. Add bourbon and half of pecans.
Place choc chips into pie shell before pouring pie mixture.
Sprinkle remaining pecans on top.

2.Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 50 to 60 minutes.

WISH..I was setting in the Millionaires Row sipping my mint julep right now..with my Southern Gentleman... but will just have to settle for front row in the infield here at the cottage!

Enjoy! Happy First of May!