Cluttered Closet – Page 56

Autumn sneaks up

Published on August 15, 2016 by Lucas Pam10 Comments

Moon vine and green bug

Daylight and air whisper change

Linger little one

Haiku by PamelaWLucas 8/15/16

Photo by PamelaWLucas 8/15/15

Service seeks Shade

Published on July 29, 2016 by Lucas Pam6 Comments

On a super hot day at the ballpark, keeping us safe.

Temperature: 100 degrees Fahrenheit with heat index at 2:00PM

Photo: PamelaWLucas 7/24/16

Southern Magnolia

Published on July 26, 2016 by Lucas Pam6 Comments

Southern Magnolia Blossom

Delicate blossom
Fleeting pure summer beauty
Fragrance remembered

Haiku by PamelaWLucas 7/26/16

Photo by PamelaWLucas 7/26/16

A Star is Born

Published on July 20, 2016 by Lucas Pam3 Comments

Stay luscious Jasmine

Beading of water lingers

A white passing star

HaikupoembyPamelaWLucas 7/20/16

Photo by Pamela W. Lucas 7/12/16

A Facebook Garden

Published on July 17, 2016 by Lucas Pam4 Comments

Through others lenses

Eyes wide open catch nature

Thank you Facebook Friends

A Great Spangled Fritallary nectaring on a Tithonia

Sunflower in full bloom with a bee — Sunflower in full bloom with a busy bee

Haikupoemby PamelaWLucas 7/17/16

Pamela Lucas, Praying Mantis on Morning Glory

Facebook friends credits:

Tara McLaughlin, Fritallary nectaring

Jordan Marie Cake, A Lucky Four-Leaf Clover

J’net McMahon, Sunflower with a Busy Bee

Pray Man

Published on July 16, 2016 by Lucas Pam1 Comment

A camo hunter
Praying mantis ambush prey
Look out little bugs

HaikupoetrybyPamelaW.Lucas 7/16/16

PhotobyPamelaW.Lucas 7/16/16

Garden Runner

Published on July 9, 2016 by Lucas Pam2 Comments

Scarlet Runner Bean

Ornamental edible

Clusters of heirloom

Fresh Basil Selfie

Published on July 6, 2016 by Lucas Pam8 Comments

Here comes the fresh and juicy, juicy tomatoes off the local vines. Here comes the fresh strawberries hand-picked from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. And here comes the abundance of fresh sweet basil from my garden. Seeing the shiny, glossy green leaves of this special herb is a summer delight. Touch or rub the leaves and its aromatics lace the air with a spicy and distinguished fragrance. So, let the foodies challenge begin! We adore this herb. My summer plates evolve around the inclusion of basil. And by first frost (Zone 7), fresh basil plants and their bounty will be a fleeting memory and sorely missed. So, while basil is here, it’s king. (The name Basil comes from the Greek word “Basileus” meaning King or people’s leader).

Here are some simple suggestions for the aforementioned. You don’t need a recipe, just snip the leaves, cut up the tomatoes, slice the strawberries and make mouth-watering crowd pleasing and nutritional dishes. Warning… fresh basil is intoxicating, garden-fresh tomatoes… addictive and fresh strawberries…well there are never enough.

Ugly Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella, Fresh Basil, Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar and French Baguette — Ugly tomato, fresh basil, mozzarella, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, cracked pepper (Caprese) and a French baguette

Prepared platter of fresh tomatoes with fresh Basil, Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar & French Baguette — Voila! It’s all in the presentation and in this case it’s also in the eating.

Ingredients for a strawberry & baby spinach salad — Fresh strawberries, locally grown baby spinach, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, crumbled feta cheese, fresh mint garnish

Strawberry, spinach salad — Ta-da, ingredients assembled & layered for the freshest of fresh strawberry and tender baby spinach salad. In the background is an arrangement from my garden of sweet basil and rosemary.

Maintaining fresh-cut herbs: Suggest trimming the sprigs in the AM before the heat of the day arrives. Then immediately rinse under cold water, shake off excess and place the bunch of cut herbs in a container of water. Place container in a cool place away from sunny windows. Your bouquet will stay fresh and last a remarkable amount of time, while also bringing in the aromatics of the plant to your kitchen.