Today's Lens (08/05/14)

Today, we will take our usual walk to the barn and to visit Nana, but along the way we'll hang out with a few green herons, a great blue heron, the boys, and a couple other visitors along the way.

As always, if you’d like to comment on individual photos, please visit the Today’s Lens Photo Library.

From a distance, I thought I noticed something moving in this tree, but wasn't sure until I zoomed in with the camera what it might be. Much to my surprise, there were two green herons hanging out.

Something overhead caught their attention, and they attentively watched it fly by.

Now, back to the pond, and hopefully a good breakfast!

This third fellow was checking things out from high up in a cherry tree along one of the fence lines.

I had to keep checking on these two; they were in no hurry to fish or fly away.

A little, "good morning," squawk fro the top one. 

The one at the top of the cherry tree moved down a bit and stretched his neck to see something. I wonder what it could be?

A quick shot of the boys. They've really become fast friends and can be seen hanging out regularly in their pasture.

And, then on to what caught the attention of the green herons--a great blue heron flying by on his way to Powell Pond.

This mourning dove hung out on the pasture gate and let me get relatively close before flying off. They are such pretty, soft looking birds.

And back the herons. This is the one that was sitting higher in the tree, but now he's decided that it might be fun to try a balancing act on one of the ropes that keep the horses out of the messy end of the pond. It looks like he's got a pretty good handle on things, but then again...

...maybe not.

He tried to regain his balance for a while before deciding that it just wasn't worth it, and flew off.

This little bunny peeked his head up from his grassy breakfast just long enough to snap his picture.

The great blue heron is patiently waiting and scoping things out for his breakfast.

Rocky posed one more time.

And the heron gave up his island perch for greener grass on the mainland.

I hope you enjoyed today’s journey. Please, join me again next time for more Today’s Lens.

Thanks for viewing!

Laura

Layered Fried Green Tomato Parmesan

None of our tomatoes have turned red yet, but that doesn't mean that they're not ready! My husband and I experimented last year and instead of fried eggplant (I'm not really a fan), we made a layered Parmesan using fried green tomatoes. The result? Success! In fact, it was so successful that he didn't even want to plant eggplant this year. I can't really tell you my exact recipe because I don't have one, but below are the basics and you can adjust to suit your tastes. Enjoy!

Start with clean tomatoes, then slice them about 1/4" thick (or to your preference). For the 9"x7"x2.5" casserole dish that I'll be using, I used 5 tomatoes and had some left over to eat plain (not in the Parmesan).

You'll need three separate dishes for the breading process: one for water, one for an egg/milk wash, and one for the breading mixture. I use a combination of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, corn meal, and Panko breadcrumbs. I have no specific amounts that I use; I just mix it until it looks good. 

Start breading! Each tomato slice will got through the same process:

                               1. Dip in water

                               2. Dredge in breadcrumb mixture coating both sides

                               3. Dip in egg/milk mixture coating both sides

                               4. Dredge in breadcrumbs again, pressing the mixture firmly
                                   onto the tomato

                               5. Set aside on layers of paper towels until ready to fry

All breaded and ready to hit the hot oil. I use olive oil, but you can use whatever you prefer. Heat the oil until a drop of water pops when splashed into the pan.

Carefully drop the breaded tomato slices into the hot oil leaving them enough room to float around a bit.

When you see the edges start to turn golden brown, carefully flip them over until desired crispiness is achieved. Remove from oil and allow to cool/drain on layers of paper towels.

If you just want to enjoy plain old fried green tomatoes, you can quit at this step. If you want the layered Parmesan, continue on.

After the tomatoes have cooled, place them on top of a layer of pasta sauce. Arranging them is kind of like a puzzle, but you don't have to be perfect. Get the best coverage you can, and layer on.

Add another layer of sauce, and whatever cheese blend you prefer. I use mozzarella and freshly ground Parmesan. I also add a bit of Italian dressing mix for seasoning (we have our own house blend of seasonings that are salt free, but use whatever your favorite is--just be aware of the salt content and don't overuse some of the store-bought blends).

Continue layering until the casserole dish is full; I have about four layers here. Bake in a 350 degree over for about a half hour, or until the cheese is melted and golden, and the sauce can be seen bubbling up on the sides. Allow it to cool on the counter for about 15 minutes before cutting into it, and then serve it up and enjoy! Mine is in the oven right now, so I'll have to come back and post a final image after dinner.

There are several variations you could take with this, so have fun. Experiment. Play around. And, let me know if you come up with anything good! Happy eating!!

Today's Lens (07/30/14)

We'll begin today's adventure with some images of Belle and Mia enjoying an afternoon frolic in the woods, and then travel to the barn and back. Come on along, and don't forget your raisins for the goats; they love raisins for treats!

As always, if you’d like to comment on individual photos, please visit the Today’s Lens Photo Library.

Mia is an adventuresome soul! She got all four feet on this log before it fell over. She quickly shook it off and moved on to the next adventure.

Making fun of the chickens!

"Hi, I'm Mia. Want to play?"

Belle took the much more conservative approach.

"Woo Hoo! Log pile!!"

She is so surefooted and agile. She had a lot of fun on this stack of wood.

And, a lot of fun just jumping out...

...and back into their pen.

"So much good food out here, huh, Mia?"

Belle loves little green apples. Fortunately, there aren't many on the ground yet so I don't have to worry that she's getting too many. I'll have to get to them before her in the fall though!

My mother's echinacea (cone flower) is growing great this year; tall and proud.

And the bees love it.

Which is good, because I love taking pictures of the bees!

Our little chicks are getting their wing feathers already. Boy, do these little guys eat a lot!

We'll end with the community Rosinweed flower. Two bees and a fly were visiting when we--by we, I mean my trusty companion Harlee and I, though sometimes she scares more pictures away than I get--passed by.

I hope you enjoyed today’s journey. Please, join me again next time for more Today’s Lens.

Thanks for viewing!

Laura

Today's Lens (07/28/14)

Once again, I have let images build up on my camera. But, good news! I went through them today! Our journey today will take us through the dust and the rain, the clouds and the sunshine. Join me, won't you?

As always, if you'd like to comment on individual photos, please visit the Today's Lens (07/28/14) Photo Library.

The swat team. The ponies are lined up using each other as fly swatters to keep the flies off of their faces.

This king fisher has been hanging around the bridge with a buddy, but I was only able to find this one with the camera.

This black-winged damselfly was really neat looking with the sun shining on its iridescent body.

The butternuts are growing good this year.

And, so is baby Ivy B! This little goat is so much fun to watch.

And she's growing like a weed. This is Ivy with her mama, Ann.

And here she is with her Aunt Muffin. We're patiently waiting for Muffin to have her kids too - soon we hope!

Ivy and Shadow. Not long after I snapped this picture, Ivy bounced up to Shadow inviting him to play, but he was not interested. He gave a quick snarl and dashed away.

This is our adorable little Bullwinkle (Wink). I can't stand how cute he is!!!

Just look at that face! 

The rush is on! No, not for gold, but for dinner. Molly takes the lead...

Followed closely by April...

Randy, Riley, and Bandit brings up the rear.

A quick peek at Honey before she comes in for dinner.

And then we'll hang out and wait for them all to finish dinner. Harlee and Shadow are barn buddies.

Not really sure why this caught my eye, but it did, so I'm hoping it catches your's as well.

The clouds took on that heavy feel of a storm.

And they didn't disappoint. Caught this rain drop coming in for a landing on one of the walkway stones.

The storms just kept coming; this is round number three, or four, or five--I lost count.

But we'll end with a little piece of sunshine. Every time I've tried to plant sunflowers in the past, something ate them before they could bloom.

This time, I didn't plant them (most likely the birds did), and they're doing great! Go figure.

I hope you enjoyed our journey on this rainy Monday. Please, join me again next time for more Today's Lens.

Thanks for viewing!

Laura