Baby Doves in the planter outside my patio window

These little guys are getting ready to leave the nest. In the past day or so they have been testing their wings in the wind.

We actually placed this empty wicker basket on the patio in hopes that they would make their nest inside. We had another larger basket on the patio that we had planned to put a plant in hanging there a few years back and every year the doves found their way and nested there. That one kept falling in the high spring winds, so we decided to try this one instead and see what happened. This is the result.

They will probably be gone in the next day or so, but they are fun to have around while they last.

An easy way to feed the birds in your backyard

Here's what you need

1 premade birdhouse
1 wooden tray
craft paint for house and tray
4 x 4 ground pot
1 inch ply wood (measured to fit under tray)
little craft accessories, paint brushed, decorations, etc.
Latex outdoor paint for posts

Birdhouse instructions

This is a relatively easy way to make a bird feeder.

I purchased all the items for making this at my local craft store. The birdhouse was already built and just needed to be painted. I painted the colors of my choice, on the building. Next I painted the tray, dabbing on little bits of color here and there creating a garden scene. Nothing too artsy because remember the bird food will be inside the tray most of the time.

Just for fun I glue rocks into a little side walk area on the bottom of the tray. You can use what ever you like for fun.

It is very important to spray or hand paint the birdhouse and the tray with a clear acrylic paint. Use at least two to three coats so that it will hold up through the weather elements.

Cut a piece of one inch plywood to use as a thicker base for the try to keep it steady. Paint the post and the plywood as you wish. Let dry overnight.

Using wood glue, glue the house to the tray. Let the glue set before digging post into the ground.

Place the bird food in the tray and enjoy watching the birds gather.

Screw the plywood on top of the post and then using the wood glue, glue to bottom of the tray to the plywood. Let dry.

Louisiana Swamp House

This bird house is made after the same premise as the one on top. I loved visiting Louisiana and the Bayou. So I thought I would create my own souvenir of the trip.

The little details are fun...

This idea with the chain around the alligator's neck came from a T-shirt we bought when we were in New Orleans. It had the alligator with the sign "Gawd Dogs". I liked it so much I incorporated it in my design idea.

Send your favorite Romance Novel Quote

Romance Book Scene is looking for your favorite quote from a current romance novel.

Just send the quote (no more than 3 lines, please), book title, author's name and how you would like your name to appear to:

roni@romancebookscene.com.

We'll post some of them on our site under the Favorite Quote section.

New Ice Cream flavor for Baskin-Robbins--"Barocky Road"

Very politically incorrect and very much a rumor, but good for a chuckle.

In Honor of the 44th President of the United States, Baskin- Robbins
Ice Cream has issued a new flavor, “Barocky Road." Barocky Road is a
blend of half Vanilla, half Chocolate, and surrounded by Nuts and
Flakes. The Vanilla portion of the mix is not openly advertised and
usually denied as an ingredient. The Nuts and Flakes are all very
bitter and hard to swallow.

The Cost is $100.00 per scoop. When purchased, it will be presented to
you in a large beautiful cone, but then the Ice Cream is taken away
and given to the person in line behind you. Thus you are left with an
empty wallet, no change, holding an empty cone, with no hope of
getting any Ice Cream. Aren't you feeling stimulated!

Notice:
We noticed you posted about the rumor going around the Internet claiming that Baskin-Robbins is creating a new flavor called “Barocky Road.” This statement is completely untrue. Baskin-Robbins believes the rumored flavor is offensive and wants to assure its customers that the company would never create such a flavor. We would appreciate it if you would update your recent post to let your readers know that this is a rumor. Thank you.
Carrie Kocik
on behalf of Baskin-Robbins

Photos of Brentwood (CA) Iris Gardens

Recipes Below the Pictures

Scenes from our backyard: Rosemary blooming

Scenes from our backyard: Rosemary blooming

Scenes from our backyard: Strawberry blossoms

Scenes from our backyard: Grapes

Sorry Behind of the Posts

It was my birthday this weekend so I didn't get a chance to do much in the way of cooking. I did however get a new camera and will be posting a bunch of new pictures. This camera is just one I wanted to carry around to take with me wherever. It is a Cannon A1000 IS. I'll be getting those up in a few minutes.

We're going to be cooking this week so look for new recipes. I'm working on some heart healthy recipes. I was on the American Heart Association site and decided to take their 2-week challenge. Unfortunately I didn't see the 2-week challenge menu selection on the site so I made one up. I'm hoping to use a few of their recipes with my own little taste changes. It'll be fun to see what I come up with.

Check out my new Associate Content article on Transporter 3.

Movie Review: Transporter 3
Transporter 3, now in DVD, offers a fast paced action packed thriller that has some pitfalls.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1578890/movie_review_transporter_3.html

Lifetime sets Nora Roberts Books to Film

Northern Lights the first of four new Lifetime Movies featuring Nora Roberts romance books will play on Saturday March 21 at 9 p.m. Country Star LeAnn Rimes will play the lead actress role. I can't wait.

Nora Roberts Midnight Bayou on Lifetime

Lifetime will present Midnight Bayou on March 28 at 9 p.m.

Nora Robert's High Noon on Lifetime.

Grab the popcorn Nora Roberts' High Noon will be on Lifetime April 4 at 9 p.m.

New Nora Roberts Movies on Lifetime

"Tribute" Plays April 11