Thursday, April 25, 2013

TARRAGON


As Norah Jones sings
....the long day is over....

some think we are close to the coast
actually I can drive 17 hours south from my house and still not be at the bottom of Texas
and just about 90 miles north and be in the middle of Kansas

yesterday we hit a whopping record breaking low of 22 degrees

I have a few ways that I tell if it's time to plant in our unpredictable weather in the 
Texas Panhandle

if the mesquite is blooming
(this wood also makes a delicious flavor in BBQ)

If the chives are blooming
I have no chives...they froze!


when the barn swallows arrive
this usually happens the 3rd weekend in April
nature is an incredible teller of all things
the birds are not here yet, but one day very soon
I trust 
I will look up and see them sitting on a wire
and then and only then will I begin to plant

We are so excited this year to actually have a place in which to plant
herbs
veggies
flowers
grass
trees

our heavy destruction and construction is another long thing that's pretty much 
over

my new favorite herb that I cannot wait to 
plant
grow
pinch
smell
taste

French Tarragon

oh how I love it


oh yes...Norah...I am with ya girl
the looooong day is over...
mesquite grilled chicken with fresh greens and tarragon
oh how I love it


12 comments:

Anajá Schmitz said...

Hello,
os dias aqui estão muito curto. Como nosso mundo é diferente, aqui temos sol o ano inteiro. Vocês dão mais valor as plantas que nós. Adore esse molho com frango.
Tenha uma ótima semana.

Marissa said...

And I am at the bottom of Texas!!
sometimes I wish I lived in the middle around Dallas or so. Every time we go anywhere just to get out of Tx takes us a full day... I prefer flying. We finally got some rain! and it was so beautiful to see I almost forgot what it looked like today is also predicted for just a spotty chance .. I have never tried French Tarragon I guess I need to put that on my list..
Have a blessed day...

Anonymous said...

you're making me hungry, have a wonderful Thursday and I hope all your wishes come true,

Marina in Blue said...

Wow! I can't wait to see your herbs growing. I hope you show us the whole process.
Marina

NanaDiana said...

Wow-That was really cold weather for Texas. I always think of it as being hot there. Good luck with all your plantings. I didn't realize you were in the panhandle-I have driven that area a couple of times in the pat- xo Diana

Tina@WhatWeKeep said...

I haven't seen the scissortails here yet, either. They usually nest on the back patio. It was in the 40's here waaaaay down south. Crazy!
I love tarragon. I don't think I'll be growing much of anything this year. (Bruce the plant destroyer) ;)
I'm starving now after seeing your pics. Must go eat!

Unknown said...

We both live in huge states (well actually I live in a province). It also takes 2 days of driving just to get out of Ontario. I've never driven it. And it would take us less time to get to the ocean. I have a much better understanding of your weather now that I see you live in the panhandle. It' still cold here too - we had flurries yesterday. What is up with this spring?

Maureen Wyatt said...

Here I thought you would be fanning yourself from the heat and eating your home grown tomatoes and find you are in exactly the same position as me! That tarragon will taste all the better for the anticipation!

Mr Paul said...

I'll take a portion of your grilled chicken Gina. Budge up!

Karena said...

The barn swallows are starting to circle here and yes, love the looks of your chicken salad!


PS I have a Paris Book Giveaway!

All the Best
Karena
Art by Karena

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Oh how I would love to visit here someday!! I love the barn swallow pic :)

Unknown said...

Sounds good...I love using fresh herbs in everything...I think it enhances the taste of the food....