Iron Man Kentucky 2014

I say 2014 because I, as his mom, have the feeling he just may attempt this again, someday in the future.

He's worked so hard.

I am amazed, but not at all surprised, at his discipline.

Tomorrow is going to melt my heart as Steve and I and fiancee Lindsey cheer him on.

Oh my. I'm so excited...

...and a bit concerned as the temps will reach 93 degrees tomorrow here in Louisville KY.

Go Riley!!

We will be there every step of the way as best we can!!!!

Hangin' Out at the River...

I love, love, love this river.

And I love, love, love summer.

Summer flows by way faster than this river.

We took some time last evening to share the contentment of the river.

Each in our own spots...

Big smile from Bear...

Ike is too content to pose for the camera.

Sometimes he would get up and do a little wading in the river.

Bear preferred to keep her paws dry.

I hope your summer weekend is full of contentment and flows slowly by!

Love,

Debi

Huckleberry Heaven

On a recent four-wheeling ride, Steve and I came across a very nice blueberry/huckleberry patch. So last weekend we went back in the car, with our buckets, bug spray and Ike and Bear in tow, and found our patch out in a field.

We didn't need the bug spray because it is August and that is usually when the bug population gives up on chewing us to pieces and leaves town.

And we didn't need the dogs because they were so excited to get out they peed all over the blueberries leaving Steve and I scratching our heads as we gazed across the blueberry patch quickly deciding, "Hmmm...I think I'll go looking in the opposite direction."

Which turned out to be all for the better as I found larger wild Huckleberries and a large quantity. 

Huckleberries are darker than...

...blueberries. I actually like huckleberries better.

Some of the blueberries are either past prime, or haven't even ripened yet.

They grow in clusters.

A mixture of blueberries and huckleberries.

So after I cleaned them, I wondered what to do with all these berries!

So I made a blueberry sauce. Thin enough to use on ice cream or pancakes, but also thick enough to use as pie filling.

I didn't think ahead about using my wooden spoon. I have since thought twice before using another wooden spoon to stir the berries. I now have a permanent blueishy stained spoon.

Then I made a Blueberry Creme Cheese Pie. I'll post this recipe on my cooking blog Cabin Cleaver in the near future.

A few huckleberry muffins to have with a cup of coffee.

I froze some of the berries for smoothies.

I washed some and placed them in a bowl in the refrigerator for snacking.

I even froze some of the blueberry sauce.

Lots of huckleberry pancakes... 

...so I could freeze some for later.

But not all of them!

I ate these for lunch. 

After already having a big weekend breakfast. 

Oops.

Huckleberry Heaven with some blueberries on the side.

Yum.

Amen.

Oh, and I made myself yet ANOTHER round of my Pick-A-Pepper Dip With Goat Cheese. 

Well, its not just for me.

I'll share if you stop by.

If you'd like the Pick-A-Pepper Dip With Goat Cheese recipe you'll find it here on Cabin Cleaver.

Have a heavenly weekend everyone!!

~Debi