Muddy Knees and Honey Bees

Today I had to go in to town to run errands. Driving in town always makes me grouchy and out of sorts, but also reminds me of why I love being home so much. I took consolation in the lovely sunshine, and went outside with a jar to collect dandelion buds. I am trying out the recipe for “Dilly Dandy Buds” from the Wild Foods for Every Table e-book available here. Basically, it’s pickled dandelion buds–vinegar, mustard seeds, dill seeds, dill weed, peppercorns, garlic cloves, and a little sugar. It took a LONG TIME to pick a pint jar full of dandelion buds–and it also required kneeling on the rather muddy ground to get close enough to the dandelions to FIND the buds. By the time I was done gathering the buds, the knees of my jeans were soaked through. But I now have a jar of dandy buds pickling, and I’m excited to see how they taste.

While I was picking, the bees kept me company.

That would be a happy honey bee.

Of course being out in the lovely afternoon, I couldn’t resist a round of flower watching, and the comfrey is growing fast!

And the plum tree is starting to blossom. It’s so lovely, I couldn’t resist taking multiple pictures.

Including this one of a welcome visitor:

It was a great day, although the knees of my jeans may never be the same again.