Where is the sun? It’s been so gray and cloudy and rainy and cool in Minnesota. And not just for a few days – I’m talking for weeks on end. Our thermometer only reached 61 degrees today – quite a bit lower than our average high of 78 degrees this time of year. I think I heard earlier this week that the Twin Cities has only seen 15 or 16 days of sun since March, or some ridiculous weather stat like that. The forecast looks favorable this week, but I don’t want to jinx it by talking about it too much.

Without any summer weather to enjoy today, we all spent a pretty lazy day inside. I have a habit of getting the baking itch when the weather is rotten, so I tried the most amazing recipe for Mocha Brownies, courtesy of The Pioneer Woman. (She’s simply awesome, yes?) Between the brownie and the frosting, we’re talking 4 sticks of butter, 4 eggs, lots of sugar and general yumminess. Totally worth every single calorie.

Decadent and so delicious - Mocha Brownies, courtesy of The Pioneer Woman.
Decadent and so delicious – Mocha Brownies!

I did sneak outside after the rain moved on to snap a few pictures of what’s happening around our landscape. While everything is slow to grow in these cool temperatures, I was pleasantly surprised to see my herb pots doing pretty well and my yellow beans busting out of the earth. We love yellow beans (well, except for Joe, who thinks he dislikes anything that resembles a vegetable) so I planted two varieties this year and can’t wait to taste-test.

We also are very close to finishing our new deck platform that leads off our four-season porch. We added two new white Adirondack chairs, a two-seat vintage-looking glider and will soon have the most gorgeous outdoor rug to put down. But first, Teacher Man is going to put a stain on the deck boards this week (if it stops raining). Once it’s all complete, I will post pictures!

I am excited to share that I added a Facebook fan page for this blog. If you are on Facebook, please feel free to check it out (and click “like”) and watch for updates on what’s happening in my life.

Joe loves frogs so we have a number of different frog garden decorations scattered about.
Joe loves frogs so we have a number of different frog garden decorations scattered about. This is my newest little garden area, which includes a “T-Rex” sedum that my mom found for me. I have a few areas to fill-in as of yet, so my goal this week is to add a “Becky” Daisy plant or two. I have loved daisies since I was a little girl.
Here's a look at our new deck platform - it still needs to be stained, plus we will add a large outdoor rug. I love how it gives us an outdoor room! (Now if the weather would just improve so we could actually use it ...)
Here’s a look at our new deck platform – it still needs to be stained, plus we will add a large outdoor rug. I love how it gives us an outdoor room and I can’t wait to sit on the glider with a glass of wine to enjoy! (Now if the weather would just improve so we could actually use it …)
I love to grow my own herbs - it's so easy!
I love to grow my own herbs – it’s so easy!
I can't believe how quickly my yellow beans came up, even with all the cool weather. I hope that means we will have a good crop this year!
I can’t believe how quickly my yellow beans came up, even with all the cool weather. I hope that means we will have a good crop this year!
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0 comments on Sunday Wishes for Sunshine

  1. Great looking plants! The deck looks like a nice place to relax during the warm summer months. I hope your weather improves. The weather has been cool and rainy on our southern Manitoba farm as well. Bring on the sunshine!

    Reply

    • Thanks, Teresa – I will wish for more sunshine for you all in Manitoba as well! It’s been a crazy spring, to say the least … I can’t remember ever seeing so many clouds and the cool temps day after day after day. Hopefully we will all be out enjoying the real feel of summer soon!

      Reply
  2. Pingback: Oh for the Love of Eggs. | My Other More Exciting Self

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