July 21st West Houston Meet

I'm home , too!.

JK. I got home around 10:30. Had a GREAT time. It really was wonderful to meet all of you. Randy, you're so wonderful to have had us all there.

I'll be posting pictures later!!!!

I am in south Texas...................but loving and reading your thread.................have to learn to do this swap get together..............

Thanks, Randy for being such a gracious host.
We had a great day with all the DG'ers.

And, hopefully have insured a return trip to your place - left a few items - (covered cheese server and cheese knives) - LOL.
If you want to return them, come to breakfast at Bubba's.
If not, we will arrange an appropriate time to come by.

Thank you everyone - the food was outstanding - and the company even better.

It was awesome! Randy - what a beautiful place you have. Thank you for sharing it with us. I've had lots of fun looking over my goodies and trying to decide where to put them. Such nice people - and so knowledgeable, too. It was great to meet everyone.
Nancy

Hi
Just checking in to say thank you as well. The quiet one and I had a really nice time. I wish that we could have stayed longer, but oh well life happens. It was really nice to meet everyone. Maybe we can do it again in the spring. Perhaps Randy will have recovered, lol, by then.

Anne

Pictures!!!

The lovely bookworm and digigirl!

The wonderful Bubba and his beautiful wife, Linda!

The beautiful ladies: gymgirl, marilyn_tx and ilovejesus99

Our favorite sisters, UniqueTreasures and Maidentheshade

Two more lovely ladies:

BigBubbles and Smockette

The wonderful Smockette 2

The beautiful Lynn_H

Our sweet and lovely Manic Reality!

The lovely and energetic DStartz

Glorius Ms. PHughes

Lynn_H, Flowerette, ilovejesus99 and Smockette

Great Ladies!

Krazy Karolyn (that's with a 'K', ya'll) and Kip

Our gracious host, Randy (in red) and Smock!

This message was edited Jul 24, 2007 1:30 AM

Am I the only crazy one here ?? Hush to those who know who you are !!!!

I've just got the China Doll tree to plant from all that I took. Let's hear it for modern medicine !!!!!!!

Thanks again Randy, Brian and ,!#$%&*(^$^$, can not think of his name but know as Zone 9 Tropicals guy.

Thanks to all for a fun filled and crazy time !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


OH, for those who I told about the Dutch Pipe Vine cats, here's two big'uns

I think we're ALL crazy.

What an awesome picture!

How nice to meet so many lovely people I haven't seen before, and to see some that I had met, I wish I could have been there with you guys, it looks like you had a great time.
Maybe next year, I really want to meet as many members as possible, this is such a wonderful community.
Thank you for putting up the pictures.
Josephine.

Josephine - you'll just have to come next year! It was too much fun!

Kristi - did no one get a photo of you? If they did - please post it - she's the adorable one :) Great photography there!

Now Kipper after all these years you know I would find a way to type if I was held at gun point not to. After you saying "I thought you weren't coming as I just got there and you forgot my name and "What name was it you did use?" HHHmmmmmmm. Don't think I can type it on here. I'll have to read the policys to the website again but I don't think they have changed....ROTFLOL Any way back to business at hand. You are not only crazy but you are the only one I know how makes "all" the mental hospitals seem to have all sane people in them. But anyway If I didn't say all the stuff to you someone would and I am having just way too much fun to step down. LOL

You know there are some people we meet that are the sand paper to help refine us and make us better people. I guess for you I am the tool they use to polish diamonds as they are one very hard surface. LOL

Now that that is said I had a very wonderful time. I brought home more plants than Carter has liver pills. I need to have help with this addiction. Golly I came to see everyone and only bring home about 4 plants. But being the plantaholic I am oh my.

I had the most wonderful time. Thanks Randy your the host with the most. Thanks DGers the food was out of this world. I am so glad I decided to come.
I had a super time. And of course when with the wonderful people of DG and friends how could one not? Smokette I had fun at the resale shops also.

Thanks Zone9 you are an awesome guy.

Love you all, except one and you know who you are.....



This message was edited Jul 22, 2007 11:11 PM

Kip

The name of the guy with Zone 9 Tropicals was Wayne.

We woke to rain and decided to head for home, instead of trying to get to Bubba's for breakfast. There's always next time. At least the plants were cool in the back of the truck.
I had such a good time meeting all of you. And I think DH realized that there are other people just like me suffering from plant addiction in Texas.
Randy, your gardens were gorgeous. I could have wandered around all day and not seen every plant. (If you've seen the photos of his gardens, it's even more spectacular in person). Thank you for opening your home to us all. Being in Randy's living room was like stepping into the Orient, particularly Thailand. Just amazing. And that clock! Suffice to say...I'd never know what time it was with that clock, but it was sure cool. Thanks for taking us all to Wayne's. What an experience! If you like tropical, like I do...you'd think you may have stepped into Heaven. Not enough time to see it all. Just hope I don't kill what I did get.
Kristi, thanks for getting us all organized to head to Penzey's. That was a neat shop. I could have spent more time and money there, but figured we needed to check into room before DH crashed. Did you get to the culinary store in time? Never got to ask when we returned. I'm so glad we finally got to meet. You're as nice in person as you are on the web. ..maybe more....
Smockette, I'm going to e-mail you. Wish we'd have had more time to visit. You have lots of stories and you made me laugh so much!
Gymgirl....you send me that recipe. I gotta have it! This woman makes the BEST turnip greens and ham hocks EVER!
I spent the afternoon trying to figure out where to plant all the things I brought home. Had to clean up after the Friday night storm. I have some garden club ladies coming to see my yard in the morning at 9:30. I've run out of time. Planted a few things, then hid rest on side yard by greenhouse... the 'hospital,' where I keep my ailing plants. I want to take my time and put things where they'll do best.
Won't thank anyone for plants, 'cuase they won't grow...but I sure enjoyed meeting each and everyone of you!!!! I wasn't quite sure what to expect of a plant swap. Next time I'll know the drill.

Speaking of recipes, someone asked for my brownie recipe. We call these "Edie's Sweeties" after my grandmother Edith. She made them everytime there was any kind of family get-together because everyone loved them so much. I suspect she was pretty bored of them by the end, but I don't think anyone else was!

Edie's Sweeties**

**(This recipe, as written, is for a 9x13 cake pan. I use an 11x14 pan and double the cake recipe using one whole German cake mix box on the bottom and one on top, which makes it easier to measure. Use two bags of caramels, 2/3 cup of evaporated milk, and a whole bag of chocolate chips.)
Cake mix:
1 box German chocolate cake mix
1/3 cup evaporated milk
1 cup nuts (optional)
3/4 cup butter

Filling:
1/3 cup of evaporated milk
1 12-oz package light caramels
1/2 12-ounce package semi-sweet chocolate chips

Melt caramel with 1/3 cup evaporated milk; set aside.

Mix cake mix, nuts, butter (use either at room temp or just softened enough in the microwave to be able to work into the batter) and remaining milk. Press half of mixture into a 9x13 greased pan. (The batter is VERY stiff and you're going to think it doesn't have enough liquid in it when you are trying to cover the bottom of the pan with it. Just keep working it over with a rubber spatula and eventually it will cover the pan.) Bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees.

Remove from oven. Sprinkle chocolate chips over base, and spread caramel mixture over chips. Crumble remaining half of cake mix over top. (I scoop up batter with a tablespoon and then squish it with my fingers as I dot it over the top of the carmel. It won't cover every inch of the pan, but it will come together when it bakes.)

Bake for 15-18 minutes. It will still seem liquid-y when it comes out, but take it out anyway. It is impossible to cut if you over-bake it! It will set as it cools. Refrigerate for 1 hour and cut into 2" squares.

BB - wasn't Penzey's fantastic? No, we didn't get to get into the restaurant supply. It closed at 2:00. Bummer. But we did make it to Buchanan's and had a fantastic time.

It was a pleassure to meet you as well. I can't wait to see you again. You feel like a long time friend.

Connie from Austin, I wish you could have made it back for the wine tasting. We loved your vino! It was also a pleasure to meet you. Hope we'll be seeing you again.

I dont believe all the people i miss seeing, Sandy I have been lusting after that Pomagrant bush for the longest, I should have been there. Kip what did you bring this time ... insects? lol Smock, Allan ... all the wild ones. LOL Randy you have a really neat place ... I keep looking at that gray... black textured wall .,... its awsome! what is it?
Linda I hope you didnt give all the China Dolls away, I just planted my two today and I need more I have been planting all weekend it seems.
Did the Greens and Ham Ham hocks show? no one mention them.
I make a mean Meneudo ... next time :)
Oh boy ... I should have been there....:)

City Silvia - I sure hope you can make it next time. This is the funnest bunch ever.

Let me be the first to say that those greens and ham hocks were the BEST I have ever had. Well worth the wait. I just wish I had brought some tupperware so I could have taken some home with me.

Sylvia, are you coveting my pomegrante?

Well you have alot of plants I lust after too. I will see it I can root some. Never tried it but never know.

No I brought the huge grasshoppers and Kipper took them home. along with a few plants. But since he is done with his I sure could use his help with mine. Too many to plant and my back doesn't hold up that long.

Yes we missed you too.

The greens and ham hocks were the best,
And Smockette's corn casserole was the best I ever had. All the food was wonderful. Oh and those dumplings my goodness. And there was homemade eclairs......drooling. Need I say more? My keyboard is shorting out.

Ok, guys. You asked for it, you got it!

Gymgirl wrote: I have made some add'l modifications to the recipe for accuracy. Please discard all versions prior to 03/24/2010. Thanks!

LILLY MAE'S "GREENS" RECIPE
(Lilly Mae Boutte was my mother. She was a GREAT seamstress, and the original Martha Stewart! Cooking was not her forte, but she put her foot in this Greens recipe! I want you to share this recipe with any and everyone you want to, but I have only one request -- that in honor of my mother, you always remember to call this dish "Lilly Mae's Greens" and that you pass the name on when you share the recipe. Spread the word. Thanks!)

The details below are long but, once you get the hang of it, this recipe is super simple. Layer everything together together in 20 minutes and then go to bed...

1 or 2 bags each of chopped, frozen greens, depending on how much you want and how big your Crock Pot is. I use VIP brand or whatever's available. Keep your ratio even - 1 of each, 2 of each, etc. (2 bags of each serves approximately 10-15 people as a main dish -- 20-25 people if used only as a side dish).

Collard Greens, Mustard Greens, Turnip Greens, and Spinach (which usually comes in a bag twice the size of the others - use 1/2 the large bag of spinach to equal the 1:1 ratio)

1 whole large and 1 whole small onion, chopped (2 large for double batch)
2 large bell peppers, chopped (3 large for double batch)
1-1/2 cups of water (I usually measure in an 8 ounce yogurt cup) (3 cups for double batch)
1 heaping Tbsp. and 1/3 Tbsp. more Season All Brand seasoning (If using 2+ bags each, adjust the Season All to about 1-1/2 to 2 heaping Tbsps) I use a regular old kitchen tablespoon to measure.
1/2 Tbsp. ground Black pepper (1 whole Tbsp for 2+ bags of each)
Optional -- 3-4 tablespoons Bacon Grease (preferred)
4 Small to Medium Ham Hocks (Salted, fresh or smoked) (or, as many as will fit in the bottom of your crock pot). (You may substitute SMOKED TURKEY NECKS for Hamhocks for a Lower-Fat Option)

If using SMOKED Hocks or SMOKED Turkey: Proceed with recipe.
If using FRESH Hocks: Place hocks in a large pot and cover over with cold water. Add about 2-3 tablespoons raw table salt and boil for 1-1/2 hours. Proceed with recipe.
If using SALTED Ham Hocks: Place hocks in a large pot and cover over with cold water. Boil hocks 1-1/2 hours to leach out some of the salt. Add NO salt to the water. Proceed with recipe.

• Place one layer of hocks/turkey necks on bottom of large (5 quart) slow cooker. Squeeze them in.
• Layer the frozen greens on top of the meat in this order: collards, mustards, turnips and spinach. Squeeze them in. They may not all fit at first, but you can add the remaining greens as they cook down.
• [Sautéing the chopped onion and bell pepper in the bacon grease until slightly softened (does not need to be browned) is an optional step. I don’t sautee’ a thing and it’s still wonderful! If you do this step, pour the bacon grease in, too.] Otherwise simply layer the chopped, raw bell pepper and then the onion on top of the greens. And, yes, you will have a small mountain!
• Mix the Season All and black pepper in the water and pour evenly over the onions and bell pepper. Do not stir the pot. Gently force the lid down as far as it will go.
• Cook on high, overnight (8-10 hours). If you happen to wake up, go gently fold the onions and bell peppers into the greens, being careful not to tear up your meat. If you don't get up, fine. Fold the peppers and onions in after the cooking time is finished. I usually pull the greens off the meat and reserve the meat in another serving dish so it doesn't get all broken up in the greens.
• If you put the pot on at 8 p.m., it'll be ready when you wake up @ 6:00 a.m. in the morning!

Serve over steamed white rice with corn bread and Louisiana Red Hot Sauce, and sweet potatoes or yams on the side. ENJOY!

NOTE: ADD NO OTHER RAW SALT TO THIS RECIPE!!! (Except to pre-boil unsalted fresh hocks). DO NOT ADD SALT PORK TO THIS RECIPE!!!

Recipe Officially Updated 03/24/2010
(Linda James Arceneaux)



This message was edited Mar 24, 2010 1:18 PM

This is the most effervescent group of gardeners anyone could ever meet. What a grand time we all experienced! And, a sincere thanks to Randy for opening up his home for such a great swap. Mercer Arboretum has nothing on you. :) I so enjoyed meeting all you guys and hope to see you again! Have been to numerous swaps, and I do not hesitate to say that this one is the greatest! Should have taken more pictures as some faces are missing. Will do better next time. Thanks to each and everyone for all the plants I was given. As you can tell, my photography is lacking. I'll just blame it on the Nikon.

The first one is Karolyn: Hey, I love that cap! Horses, bikes, Mothers; oops, I have no grandkids, but we have a lot in common.

The second is: Kristi, Thanks for not letting me get lost going to Buchanan's!

The third is Valerie: What a sweetheart!

4th and 5th: Margaret: calm & a pretty smile and Sandy: jovial & a nice lady!

And the 6th: Lynn: very personable and giving. Thank you for the fan!

7th and 8th: Smockette: a real gardener w/ all the winning plants! Nancy: a knack for making others comfortable & a very educated butterfly person, and I don't mean the flying kind!

9 & 10: Bill and Linda: Great gardeners and have a winning son!

And, Gymngirl, Linda: Where in the heck are you? You mean I didn't get you in a pic. Darn! Well, I know someone has already posted your pic. Thought I would eventually find it but no luck.

What can I say! Wow......Miss Personality+ and the lady from the Land of Greens! I am an expert on them you know, and I say they they have a rating of A++++++++

Last but not least Painter Allyn, the guy who keeps Smockette in line, and by the way, thanks for finding me that plant.