Another Frog & Swan tag sale led me to another unexplored section of Tryon.

The houses in this area continue to amaze me.  Every corner you turn there is another quaint home with old plantings and unique touches.

I rounded a corner to find the original St. Luke's Hospital (with no trespassing signs) which I ignored to get these photos, not knowing someone actually lives in a wing of this place!

He was a man in his 60s, I would guess, very gracious, a little eccentric.  I asked if there were any ghosts, he said just in the operating room EEEKK!

This place would make fantastic condos!

I want this brass door handle!

Another adorable cabin. Love the lanterns.

Moss lawns are everywhere.

On the homefront, the bark is in.  Jake is at the boathouse working this week, so the backsplash will be next in line.

Stopped by to see the start of the project.  Jake's help was a no-show, he was not a happy camper, but he has started the boardwalk.

After looking at many options for a kayak launch, this is the one we have chosen, made in SC and has a little step, very simple design.

The neighbor's retaining wall is finished.

Trays of seedlings have been started.

Working on the compost pile and getting my planting area ready for those seedlings.

I have been painting my bedroom.  New shades are up to replace the curtains.  The trim for the windows is finished, I am starting the walls this week, photos to come!

What's For Dinner?

With warm weather, time to fire up the grill and eat fresh!

I have a salsa book that I have been working my way through, and so far every recipe has been a keeper.  This one with pineapple and jalapeno and brown sugar sounded tasty, and I thought it would go great with Ahi Tuna. 

A Caribbean recipe which also has lime juice, cilantro and serrano chile.

Unlike the Mexican salsas, this one is cooked.

I made a double batch, but it was so tasty, it's all gone!    
             SAN JUAN SALSA:  1 cup plus 3/4 cup diced fresh pineapple, drained; 2 teaspoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar; 1 jalapeno chile, seeded and finely diced; 1/2 small green pepper, seeded and finely diced; 1 carrot, finely grated; juice of 1 lime; 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro; 1/4 teaspoon chile caribe powder or ground chile powder.  Combine the 1 cup of pineapple, sugar, vinegar, chile and bell pepper in a medium saucepan.  Bring to a boil, stirring frequently, then lower the heat and simmer 30 minutes.  Let cool to room temperature.  Stir in 3/4 cup of pineapple and the remaining ingredients, mixing well.  Refrigerate.  YUM!

Another Old Lady

Another gorgeous old home in town needing renovation.

This is a grand home that looks as if it should be in Maine. 

I wish I could have gotten photos of the inside, which is beautiful wood built-ins and beams. 

This one will take a lot of work and way out of my price range, but it's still fun to look.

In the garden on in the back by the chicken house, the azaleas are beginning to bloom.

Fluffy is enjoying his new life with his buddies and Kelly at The Log House.  I will be meeting Kelly for coffee in the morning and will be meeting "the Fluffster"!

Rescue dog of the week:  Coco, an 8 year old blind chow mix with skin issues in Columbia, SC. I raised nearly $1000 this week, and a rescue in VT will be getting her.  This was a good save!  My bark is in for my backsplash!