Garden Pavilion at Sunset

Taking you back to Raleigh for this post as I wanted to share with you a great use of an out building on our property there.  It is one of our favorite areas for an outside beverage and lunch. I even sometimes use it for work meetings!   I included some photos below when it was highlighted in Country Living Magazine and how it looks now since I updated the seating and cushions outside.  

Garden Pavilion - view from the house

Charles & Clara Belle enjoying the new cushions and seating

Before
Country Living Magazine

After
Country Living Magazine

Great area for lunch
Country Living Magazine

Gardening home base with potting table
Country Living Magazine

More seating & storage inside
Country Living Magazine

Inside artwork
Country Living Magazine

Mr. Darcy

Lowfields Mr. Darcy enjoys the spring sun, 

but knows he can get into the shade when he wants.  

He definitely has the life! 

Lowfields Mr. Darcy

Saturday Night Supper - Big Easy Gumbo

Being from New Orleans, Gumbo was a staple meal in our household and many families have recipes that date back years.  I have come up with a recipe that takes out a lot of the extra work that goes into making gumbo but still has the same great flavors.   Please note:  this is NOT the way Bockie would have made it. But it's still delicious and crazy EASY!  


Big Easy Gumbo
3 bags frozen cut up okra
1 can french onion soup
1 can tomato bisque soup
1-2 tablespoons Tony Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning
1-2 pounds fresh or frozen shrimp


Combine okra, both soups and seasoning and let simmer for 2-3 hours.  About 15 minutes before serving, add shrimp and cook until pink.    You can serve over rice or just eat it on it's own! 

Big Easy Gumbo

Apple Orchard in Bloom

The apple orchard has awoken from it's winter slumber!   

In full bloom

Clara Belle & Floyd relax in the shade of the orchard