"can’t imagine doing without running water for 4 months!" It was . . . interesting. Fortunately, there's both an indoor pool, and a campground nearby that let us use the showers. And a neighbor let us fill jugs at his house. "You use green beans as dried beans? That’s a first! What do they taste like?" Dried beans are basically beans that have been left to get mature. So they just taste like beans to me. They're not as pretty and fun as, say, Vermont Cranberry Beans, and the flavor isn't as specific as most dried bean varieties, and also they're not as big so they don't shell quite as easily. But they're great for a lazy person :) "I guess you cook when you travel. The security check at the airport must be interesting with all that produce in your bag. You don't have a frying pan in there too? [g]" A fry pan -- lol! Well, on road trips I have been known to travel with a salad spinner and Cuisinart :) Always have to have a kitchen. Or someone else's home cooking. Really dislike restaurant food. Self seeded veggies are wonderful. And yes, the ones I mentioned come out good, even if not exactly true to seed, it all tastes good. (though they seem to be true, as well) If you'd have to pay for hay or straw it doesn't seem worth it. Maybe ask a couple neighbors if you can have their grass clippings and/or leaves? (those who don't use herbicides) It sounds like the next few years hold some exciting experimentation for you! You'll have to report back and tell us how it goes. I'd love to hear how you do with fall lettuce and greens if you try them this year.

You certainly brighten my day Lucy! Along with your pix of the day, I also try to start my day with a laugh. Here's one from things kids say: POLICE -- While taking a routine vandalism report at an elementary school, I was interrupted by a little girl about 6 years old. Looking up and down at my uniform, she asked, 'Are you a cop? Yes,' I answered and continued writing the report. My mother said if I ever needed help I should ask the police. Is that right?' 'Yes, that's right,' I told her. 'Well, then,' she said as she extended her foot toward me, 'would you please tie my shoe?'

Hip hip hurray Dorothyct! I just put a flan in the oven for my honey and your message made me realize it's 6 o'clock somewhere. I am toasting your kitchen with a glass of wine, yummmm! Here is a link that might be useful: ACAPULCO FLAN

Our grocery store parking lot is a nightmare. People walking behind vehicles constantly and they don't realize that many do not see them or they are in their blind spots. I watch very carefully the back up lights plus people in the driver seat. I have told my dad many times to stop as they just back up and won't wait their turns or the people behind won't stay back, they stop right there and no room to back up and turn. We had one crazy guy in his scooter roaring right behind the vehicles in the parking lot and went all the way through. Scary that is as you can't see him at all. I am surprised when I mentioned it to customer service that he is still alive. She was too. People aren't looking if you noticed, many of them. They have too much on their minds and off they go to next place and they drive too fast. Its scary and frightening in parking lots. You were lucky to have that woman go up and scream stop and give driver heck. Scary that is!