Happy 4th of July!

Had a strange thing happen today. The phone rang while I was in the barn doing chores so I picked it up and glanced at the caller ID. It said Conn. Dept. of Cor*rections! Hummmmm....now I wonder who that could be? I said Hello and a recording said "this call is originating from the Conn. Dept. of Cor*rections and may be monitored....." I hung up quickly!!! Now I wish I hadn't as I am wondering who it was. I'm sure it was a wrong number, and they haven't called back again but my imagination can sometimes work overtime...........I need to stop watching all those real life police shows!!!

The kids buzzed over in their Rhino tonight in time for supper. It's always a delight for me when they drop in unexpectedly and I can throw a few more plates on the table. What a blessing having them live so close by. D ran over yesterday through the woods with his walkie-talkie so that he could talk to his Mom and let her know he had arrived. It's about a 3 minute walk for the kids, or should I say run, as they do it much faster then I do! In the winter I can see their house when the leaves are off the trees but not in the summer.

Mowed for a couple of hours today plus did some weeding in my gardens. My those weeds can peek up through quickly! Did some deadheading and put some plant food on my veggie garden. The farrier came tonight and did Buddy's feet. He says they are coming along really well since his episode of foundering last summer.

The boys were naughty today and got into the tack room and ate all the horse cookies and pulled out a couple bales of hay into the middle of the barn! They were having a great time until I looked out and saw what was going on and went out and shooed them out of there and locked the tack room door. Hubby says I leave it unlocked quite frequently and I probably do as they can't unlock it themselves because Dad put a special lock on it. They all looked like the cat that ate the canary when I walked in the barn! I wish I'd had my camera! :o)

I found a yummy recipe for homemade peanut butter cups in one of my magazines that I think I will try for the 4th.

1 cup creamy peanut butter -- divided

4 and 1/2 teaspoons butter -- softened

1/2 cup confectioners sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups (12 oz.) semisweet chocolate chips

4 milk chocolate candy bars (1.55 oz each) coarsely chopped

colored sprinkles optional

In small bowl combine 1/2 cup peanut butter,butter, confection sugar and salt until smooth, set aside.

In a small microwave safe bowl melt the chocolate chips, candy bars and remaining peanut butter, stir until smooth

Drop teaspoonfuls of chocolate mixture into paper lined miniature muffin tins. Top this with a scant teaspoon of peanut butter mixture. Top with another teaspoonful of chocolate mixture. (add sprinkles if desired) Refrigerate until set. Store in airtight container. Makes three dozen.

I think these will be a big hit at the 4th party! :o)

Our town always puts on a great fireworks show the evening of the 4th. I'm usually too tired from the days activities to drag myself down to watch them but Hubby usually goes. I can see some of them from the house and of course hear them. It doesn't seem to bother the horses but the cats get a little tense.

It's now Thursday. I've been to the grocery store, got my car washed, and mowed for another couple of hours. I want everything to look spiffy for the holiday. Now I think I will mix up those peanut butter cups. I hope there are some left for tomorrow.........ahem......

Have a wonderful 4th!