Every Thursday, here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!
{pretty}
On Sunday, Bridget made herself this snack (with the very last of the wedding bundt — Almond and Rosewater, which had been in the freezer, and yes, Rosie needs to tell us about that), and then thought it was just so pretty. She took this photo herself, and I am borrowing it.
I realize that this is very 2002 of me, but these are my first purple beans. Their purpliness is stunning.
I love that they turn green when they cook, because, well, then you know they are cooked!
On Tuesday my friend Erin came over to visit with her kids. She's expecting her 6th 🙂 Isn't she cute? Her dryer had broken down, and I told her that she could use mine — only we both decided that it was so hot that the line would be fine, and anyway, her (four!) girls would think it was fun to hang the wash out, as they don't have a clothesline. Here they have started taking the wash down, only I stopped them. The other two girls and little Joseph (a little older than Pippo!) are off collecting shoes or something.
They did think it was great fun! And the clothes dried so quickly!Â
Only Anna, I think, could actually reach, but the others helped. They really did!
I stopped them here because I thought their way of all helping (especially when they felt they had run out of line) was so funny!
 They were bursting with pride at their space-saving solution!
Now that the tree is down, the light is coming in the den like heck. That's all well and good, but I'm burning up here. Need window treatments STAT! Even my own dear husband walked in one day and said, “I've never noticed until now that there are no curtains on these [four huge] windows!”
I'm going to try to do this. I'm trying to do it. Hopefully it doesn't defeat me. For now, lots of stepping over project detritus around here.
european says
I'm growing purple beans this year too, only it's a yard-long variety, and they look very otherwordly when they ripen… I should use that as a picture for funny if ever my baby lets me write another blog post!
Cary says
I absolutely love the photo's of the hanging clothes. They should all be proud!
Deirdre says
Adorable about the clothesline! Very clever. And yes, those beans are stunning.
Too hot in the den because of sunshine? An excellent problem to have.
_Leila says
Yes — the sun is burning my back when I sit at the computer!!! Can you believe it??Â
EML says
I have never seen purple green beans before. Also, I love the photo's of the clothes. My kids love to hang things like that.
momco3 says
Why are purple beans 2002? And I think that was a good year in general.
_Leila says
Haha, I just remember reading about all these cute and special varieties of veggies long ago, and I am really not an up-and-coming gardener. I don't live on the edge, garden-wise. 🙂
Melissa AtLee says
Thank you Auntie Leila! Your family posts always brighten my day and enlighten my soul.
Lisa G. says
Such an inventive way of hanging laundry – 🙂
Good luck on your window treatment.
Charlotte says
Are you serious? Those purple beans really turned green when you cooked them? I need my kids to see this. That is very cool.
Anna says
Oh my goodness! Erin was with us at Cana two years ago! What a shock to see them here! Please say hello from Mateya, Elizabeth and Anna in Canada! We missed them this year… there were so few girls! (but still an awesome retreat!) Maybe next time Erin!
What wonderful beans… not much grows for us besides tomatoes and I'm the only one who can reach the clothesline! God bless!
Anitra says
That inventive laundry-hanging leaves me saying “why didn't I ever think of that?” I have a 4-year-old who wants to help AND we sometimes run out of room on the line. Perfect!
Karen says
As a young mom of 4- and 2-year old boys, I'm trying to imagine being able to leave “project detritus” laying around the house. This is something I will look forward to. 🙂
I've been reading through your archive of posts (stalking?) and I am so glad that I found your page. Everything you write is so sensible and you are inspiring me to be more open to more children as well as homeschooling. Thank you!
Mary says
The purple green beans intrigue me. may have to plant some next year. I laughed when I saw the “space saving” measures your friends took. My husband does the same thing. Too funny!
I must know what your doing with the blinds. Can't wait to see how it all turns out. Also, it would be wonderful if Rosie could share the cake recipe. Pound cake is one of my favorite thing son the planet. It looked so delightful.
Happy crafting/sewing/baking/gardening!
mamabearjd says
Oh yes I can't wait to see you succeed with the blinds. I pinned something like that a while back and am too intimidated to try it yet! I should hang things to dry more often. I have gotten out of the habit.
Margo says
You crack me up with your purple beans (we've gotten 2 beans off our plants so far – sighhhh).
I love that washline solution. And I'm VERY intrigued by the window coverings. Please keep us posted.
Peach says
I REALLY love the gingham blue curtain!
dayuntoday says
You know, I have been hanging clothes on the line for many, many years, and never once had it occurred to me to piggyback clothes like that when I ran out of line space! Great idea! 🙂
Elizabeth says
That snack looks yummy! My favorite snack or light lunch is an apple, hunk of cheese and some good bread toasted. Bridget's snack reminds me of that–fruit, cheese, and bread (or cake!). I agree that we need to hear about the Almond and Rosewater cake. Please tell us more Rosie!
Amanda says
That is just so sweet how the little kids wanted to help, what a clever, resourceful bunch 🙂
Are you attempting the roman-shades-from-mini-blinds project!? If so I'm very curious to see how it goes, I've been contemplating it myself but always get overwhelmed at the project and hem up some sheets into curtains instead, lol!
Margaret says
I love reading your blog every day – you are a great inspiration! But especially loved reading it today, as like your friend Erin, I have 4 daughters and a little guy…….and guess what his name is?? You guessed it, JOSEPH!!!
_Leila says
To all who asked, yes, I am attempting some sort of shade solution to address the issues of insulation and sunshine management. The limiting factors are 4 huge windows with really awesome molding. Don't want to hide the molding, don't want to overwhelm the room with lots of fabric, can't afford that much fabric anyway! Will keep you posted!
Terra says
Gorgeous purple beans and the happy clothesline shenanigans. I grow lots of veggies, but no purple beans yet.
Adrianne Niall says
Leila, It is funny I was just saying to someone the other day that Erin must be expecting or almost expecting. We have been pregnant at the same time for the last 2 so I was guessing. I guessed right!!! Congrats to Erin, maybe another boy for Joseph to play with!! Thanks again for sharing!!!