Birdwatching with the Grobmyers

I hope you will indulge me a little today.  This past week I have spent a lot of time watching the birds at my house.  I have had lots of colorful birds enjoy a meal or two at my backyard feeders.  They have kept me hopping too keeping them filled.  There is one bird that has flown through twice that I have seen, but as of yet I have not gotten a picture.  An indigo bunting has flown through very quickly two different afternoons.  If you have not seen one you really need to look for them.  They are a beautiful bright purple-blue.  I have invited him back but so far he has not accepted my invitation.  The hummingbird feeder is now up so I am waiting for those visitors to start arriving too.

 These bright red birds enjoy our backyard year round.  The yellow finches just fly through for a couple days or weeks.

 The yellow finches love the thistle bags and they will fight over them.  Sometimes they line up in the bushes to waiting to fly in.

 They have enjoyed the many limbs of the hummingbird vine.

 You really can't see him well but that is a red headed woodpecker hanging on to the feeder.

 I'm not in the feeder, nope not me.

 This one thinks he rules the roost.

 I'm not eating the bird seed.

 This is his other hiding place.  He thinks I can't see him over there.

 I think this is a brown thrasher.

 He was having a hard time landing on this feeder.

 I think his feet are too big.

 They also are happy I have put the bird bath back out.

 More of the brown thrasher.

 I thought this was a pretty picture.

 I wish they would stay around longer.

 Look at those cheeks.

National Pecan Day

No matter how you say Pecan one thing you know for sure is that they sure are good.  There are lots of ways to use pecans in recipes, and southerners really like to use pecans in everything from their chicken salad to sweet potatoes.  So celebrate them today on their special day.

Pecan Pie Muffins

Pecan Sandies

Sweet Potato Casserole

Crock Pot Sugared Pecans

Sugar Snap Peas with Buttered Pecans

Loaded Ranch Dip

This is a great little dip with lots of uses.  It's great on chips or crackers, could be used on baked potatoes, and even on sandwiches.  It's best if you make it a day ahead so that all the flavors have a chance to blend.  Give this dip a try and I don't think you will be disappointed.

You can garnish the top of the dip with leftover cheese, bacon and green onions if you like.

 Very simple ingredients.

 First thing you want to do is cook your bacon.  I like to cook mine in the oven.  The recipe calls for 1 pound of bacon.  I just cooked a panful.  This all went into the dip except for one piece that went to the cook!

 1 cup mayo

 1 cup sour cream.  I used light on both.

 1 dry package of Ranch dressing mix.

 Chop up 3-4 green onions.

 Grate 1 cup of cheese.  This is Monterey Jack cheese.

 When the bacon has cooked and cooled a little chop it up and add to the dip.

Mix all together and let sit at least one hour but overnight is best.

Loaded Ranch Dip Recipe
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayo
1 pkg Ranch dressing mix
1 pound bacon
3-4 green onions
1 cup grated cheese