blooms and barbeque sauce

This morning, I decided to stroll around our yard and our street to take a few pictures before it got hot.  I think I missed my window though, because it was already hot as blazes out there at 9:30am.  Very few plants are brave enough to bloom in this weather, but I managed to find a couple. 

I also checked out our new, secondary hummingbird feeder.  Because one feeder is never enough. 

Yesterday, I spent several hours taking hundreds of pictures and managed to get eight new items posted in the shop!  I still have nine more to go, but I should have them all up by the end of the week.  I am the most excited about the new zipper pouches that match the market totes- those fabrics are just so lovely that I want to make a little of everything with them!

Today is a car day, so I'll be running errands and planning food for the week ahead.  I decided that making more barbecue sauce is a priority, so we'll be doing that over the weekend.  I also remembered that I wanted to share the recipe, so here it is:

2 tablespoons dark brown sugar

1/2 cup cider vinegar

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

2 tablespoons honey

2 cups tomato ketchup

2 tablespoons spices*

Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. 

* Here are the suggested spices- I just sprinkled in a bit of each and aimed to have a total of 2 tablespoons when I was done- seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, allspice, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, ground cloves.  Just use what you have!

Be sure to save back some sauce to dip your chicken (or whatever else) in after you've grilled it too.  I mean, baste while you grill, of course, but also dip afterwards.  It's that tasty. 

I'm off to the store and feeling thankful that our car has air conditioning!