Chicken Tortilla soup

As you all know from my other blog I am a huge fan of Trisha Yearwood's and I love to cook . This is one of my family's favorite recipes in her book and would be great for all of you in the cold weather states to try out, and all you moms out there that need something quick easy and good. 3 tbls butter 1 tsp minced garlic 1med onion finely chopped 2 tbls all-purpose flour 3 14 oz cans chicken broth 4 c half and half 1 10.75 oz can cream of chicken soup 1 c salsa 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, boiled,drained and shredded 1 15oz kidney beans drained 1 15 oz can black beans drained 1 15oz can corn or use frozen 2 tsp ground cumin 1 1.27 oz packet fajita seasoning 8 oz Monterey jack cheese grated 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese grated crumbled tortilla chips 1/2 c sour cream Melt butter in large pot on med heat add garlic & onion saute 5 min. add flour, stir bring to half boil then reduce to low. stir in soup,salsa,chicken,beans,corn,cumin,and fajita seasoning. continue to simmer over low heat for 15 min.ladle into bowls top with chips and cheese and sour cream. delish!!!!

It's Spring In South Carolina!!!!

Little Titmouse......at my House!

Here are just some of my bounty of Spring Flowers.....

Japanese Magnolia

On the way home last night, I came across a herd

of deer, across the street from my house. I live on

the Ashley River> There is a small island across

the marsh, called Deer Island. After dusk the

deer head across to the empty wooded lots

next to me, I drive slow in the evening to see

them. I sat for 20 minutes watching the deer

interact. One night I hope to camp out for an

hour or two and get some photo shots. Will

be coming up soon, as it looks like Spring is

right around the corner.

Gina and Kate...Two Pea's In a Pod

The Story of Two Pea's In a Pod......Gina and I share our blog together. We can both post anything at any time. This came to pass when I ran away from home to be with a fine Englishman that swept me off my Feet. I moved from my hometown of 21 years to start a new life with this unnamed Englishman. I had a grand going away party at The Ritz Carlton, a High Tea with champagne for 8 of my closest girlfriends. Gina and I missed each other so much. We had worked together in Interior Design about 10 years previous but had stayed in touch throughout the years. I came up with the idea of a shared blog to stay in touch. Phone calls and emails didn't seem to be enough for us. I saw a special with Martha Stewart on blogging and it seemed a great idea, even though Gina nor I had ever tryed blogging. Now months later, we have a whole gaggle (group, as in geese) of followers, who all seem to share same interests as Gina and I. Funnily enough, Amy from Artichokes & Lemonade , was one of my young employees from years ago (15 to be exact) when I managed a furniture/ design store. We met again, through blogging, thanks, Amy for the mention in your posting. So Old Friends, become New Friends, with love and laughter...... that is the song that sticks in my head, it is from one of favorite movies .....Deja Vu. http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Deja_Vu/60023853?trkid=222336 See old posting on "The White Cliffs of Dover". Our gaggle follows; DESIGN mostly English, French and Shabby Chic. Reading, movies, (Romantic, English and French Period) Antiques, Dishes, Art, Crafts, Wallpaper etc, etc. and the Love of Beatrix Potter. Our loves are many that bind us together. What a world we live in. That we can stay connected daily in this internet age. And as for the Englishman that sweep me off my feet, that is now why I am in South Carolina, because the Fantasy was not quite the Reality. And so we start again. Thanks, to all our Readers, Kate. Above, Gina's Newly Re-wallpapered Kitchen Right above, Kate's entry to Living Room.

Thanks Gina, or Our Desperate Search For Just the Right Ottoman!!!!

My Master Bedroom Drapes My Headboard and pillows My thanks to Gina, who knows what a Ottoman Dilemma I am in now!!! OK, so I have a huge closet . Lets feel really bad for Kate. Now that I live in South Carolina, I have to actually have to wear Real Shoes AHHHH, and Boots. I lived in Florida for 20 years and all I did was slide into the best looking sandals and go.......it is wintery cold here and whilst putting on my boots, I have fallen over twice in my closet ( help I've fallen and can't get up) My greatest fear is , that they find me days later and the newspaper reads, woman fallen in closet, lays there for days before they find her with one boot on and one boot off!!! Gina was gracious enough to help with my ottoman search. The top photo is beautiful, it doesn't match at all but I love it. This is my Bathroom Wallpaper......

My Bathroom Towels

Thanks again Gina.....

Dressing room Ottomans

Book Tag

Book Tag I found this great tag on Tres Poshe Preppy, blog site.

http://tresposhepreppy.blogspot.com/

Here are the rules:

1) Grab the nearest book to you. 2) Open it to page 56. 3) Find the 5th sentence. 4) Post the text of the next 2-5 sentences and these rules. 5) Pick the closest book (not your favorite, cool, or intellectual). 6) Now Tag 5 other bloggers!

My book (above) next to my orchid in bloom, is

The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds

All right call me crazy, or lonely, forgive me I don't have any friends in

South Carolina yet, (well I do have one friend), so I bird

watch each morning while I having my tea....

My book says:

Laughing Gull,

Winter Plumage 15-17" see pg 385

Ok ,so mine wasn't so interesting but it's the fun of playing the game.

These are the five people I'm tagging!!!

1) Gina.... Purdy Wallcovering

2) Anna.......Anna Lloyd

3) Amy.......Artichokes & Lemonade

4) Cathleen.....Design by Cathleen

5) vintage girl at heart

Thanks,

kate

Snow in the England

Thanks to Patrick for the lovely photo of snow in the British Isles. They apparently rarely see snow, for the full details, see Patrick's posting on : pfgpowell http://www.blogger.com/profile/12912352044397987484, if you wanted to remain anonymous Patrick, excuse me, most American women would love to read what a handsome British man has to say...........................