That's One Big Gator!

Captain Mark Robinson is a fishing guide.  He delivered some

really delicious fresh caught flounder to our house

a couple of weeks ago.  

But Mark does not only cast his bait for fish ~ he

also baits and traps alligators.  He caught this one

in Calhoun County Texas just a couple of days ago.

Wow 13 feet 4 inches and approximately 780 pounds.

He is hoping to win the gator fest this year.  

I for one would hate to have to tangle with this

bad boy!  Bentley and I will not be visiting any of the

nearby lakes or bayous any time soon.   I have no

desire to get up close and personal with any of

these gators.  Scary stuff.  But I can't help but

wonder how many pairs of boots will be made from

the hide of this poor creature.

Seasonal Sundays

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

A Little Cottage Panache

Just look at this cozy seating arrangement on the front lawn of

this sweet cottage.  The tree swing is hanging from the very

large branch of a big old Live Oak and is surrounded by 

comfy Adirondacks complete with colorful parrot who is

coordinating with the cushions.  Now that's what I

call panache!

Now this cute place may not have a covered front porch but that does

not keep the owners from hanging out in their rockers and living

life large.

This cottage is saying ~ "Hey look at me!"  "I may be tiny, but don't

underestimate my wow factor."

And to me this one is saying  "I am a dear cottage that is so sweet and

aren't you just dying to come inside and see even more of my cuteness?"

Bentley ~ cottages are communicating with me now.  Do you 

think mama has a problem???

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

Texas Pecan Cookie Recipe Y'All

We all love Pecan Sandies in this house, so now that I am in Texas

I decided that I better start baking my own.  

Mixer is ready and I am grabbing the ingredients.

Butter of course.  This cookie recipe I am sharing is really

a shortbread cookie with chopped pecans added.  It's buttery

rich.  And who doesn't like that?

I had to buy pecans.  I have a tree in my yard, but I am going to

have to fight with the squirrels for a harvest.

Chop up those pecans.  Essentially this recipe is flour, butter, sugar,

vanilla and pecans.  I will share the link for the recipe below.

One of my readers asked me to share this recipe, so I sure

hope y'all enjoy it.

Here they are in all their warm pecan goodness.   I am

putting them in this vintage marshmallow can.  Let's see

how long it is before David discovers them!

Texas Pecan Sandies

Enjoy!

Now I will have to bake some peanut butter dog biscuits

for Bentley.  Can't forget him.

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

Cookies and Tea and a Porch Swing

This morning while taking my morning walk I was reflecting

on the meaning of this day.  It is hard to believe that it has been

twelve years since our country was attacked.  I could not help

but reflect on the sadness of that day.  I for one, will never

forget.

I also thought about the many men and women who have risked 

their lives protecting our freedom and how fortunate we all are

to live in this country.

So to remember and to honor those who lost their lives, I am

celebrating our freedom.  I truly believe that the best revenge is

to live a happy life.  To appreciate and enjoy the advantages we

are so fortunate to benefit from each day.

I hope that you will join me in honoring the memories of those

who lost their lives on this day twelve years ago.

May their families find some peace on this day.

And long may we honor those who put themselves in harm's

way to protect our nation each day.

God Bless our Nation.

Tablescape Thursday

Home and Garden Thursday

Open House Thursday

Vintage Thingie Thursday

Let's Dish

Show and Tell Friday

Home Sweet Home

Feathered Nest Friday

Be Inspired

Pink Saturday

Doggies are lucky to live in freedom too Bentley.

Big Texas Hugs,

Susan and Bentley

Bentley's Historic Home Tour Number One

Stop here mama!

Did you get a good picture mama?

Here's another one.  Wow that's a big yard.  I wonder if they have a
dog to protect it?  I could always offer my squirrel and cat removal
services.

I am peeking though the fence and hedges to find squirrels.
I can't see any so we can move on.

This one has a picket fence around it like my old house in Idaho.
Mama thinks that I enjoy looking at houses.  I am just humoring her.
My daddy taught me to do that.

  This tour is coming to an end because a big thunderstorm
 is coming.  Step on it mama and let's hurry home.


Mama said I could join ~

Wow Us Wednesday
What's It Wednesday

Big Texas Hugs,
Bentley