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Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Pecan Harvest! ...and other news!

Photo by Suzanne * October 28, 2012
One of our Pecan Trees

From almost 3 weeks ago!!!

It's not that I didn't have anything to do, but it was sort of a blasé Sunday.  However, it was a beautiful 60° in Fort Worth, Texas, and, I guess thinking of having to work on Monday prematurely sent the 'blahs' careening my way.

And, Karo quickly tired of watching the Dallas Cowboys lose to New York, even tho they did come back and catch up...never fear, at the last minute SOMEONE drops the ball!
Dallas Cowboy quarterback, Tony Romo
 and NY Giant James Butler * October 28, 2012

...Oh well, enough about the game!  Karo decided to go outside and pick some pecans up off the ground that the squirrels so graciously shook from the tree.  This is probably the oldest pecan tree we have of 4 trees.  It was here when I originally bought the place in 1993.  And, we've planted one...the other 2 trees volunteered to reside on the property.

Did you know that the pecan is not really a nut, but is known as a 'drupe'?  A drupe is a fruit with a single stone or pit, surrounded by a husk.

photo by Suzanne * October 28, 2012

Of course, when it's time for the pecan to make its appearance, the husk turns brown and splits open, and...POP!  The pecans begin to peak thru, scouting out potential predators, such as squirrels!


photo by Suzanne * October 28, 2012

Just a little history!
The 36th Legislature ruled the Pecan tree to be the State Tree of Texas.  In the 16th century, Europeans/Spanish Explorers were the first to come in contact with Pecans in what is now Mexico, Texas and Louisiana.  Of course, we know that Pecans are native to many areas in the US, primarily in the South to Southwestern states.  Pecan groves are plentiful in my neck of the woods, they're a major source of the winter income to many farmers.  As we drive west of Fort Worth into the area between Paradise, TX and Bridgeport, TX, there's a massive Pecan orchard that has been there since the 1950's.  This area covers about 60 acres, with each tree planted 80 feet apart, and, all in straight rows.  It's an amazingly lovely orchard.

San Saba, Texas is the Pecan Capital of the World.  This small town is located in the Texas Hill Country with over 500 miles of running streams.  For over 38 years, San Saba has been a primary supplier of shelled pecan products, such as, Pecan Rolls, nutcrackers, and various gifts.  Here is the link to their website: http://www.sansabapecan.net

And, guess what?  Tommy Lee Jones was born in San Saba, Texas and spent most of his childhood there!  He does maintain a ranch in San Saba today, and enjoys leisure time riding horses, and, just being a cowboy!
* Why here he is now!  That ole Cowpoke!
Howdy Sheriff Jones!  So glad you could stop by!
Tommy Lee Jones

So, we know that Pecans are a favorite among most folks...pecan pralines, pecan pie, and, I like to put pecans in my jello, and on top of brownies in the oven for that 'roasted' flavor!  Karo is now shelling his pecans, and, he will attempt to make pralines with them.  I can hardly wait!

Needless to say, I got past my blah Sunday with the good news that we would be getting a visit from our grandson, 'Scootie'!  We had some catching up to do with him, a belated Birthday celebration would be in order-he can actually say 'birthday' now! lol!

Also, in the news...my favorite author is celebrating the date of his birth at the end of this month!  "Who is that?" you ask.   Well, it's Mark Twain, born November 30, 1835, I believe.  I've enjoyed his writings, and, quotes for most of my life.  As kids, my sister, brother and I even had the 'Authors' playing cards, and, Mark Twain was one of the authors in the deck.  I think my original attraction to Mark Twain was his 'wild look'!  Then, I got to know more about the man.  Twain really enjoyed eating, and, he love his America!  He once said,
"We Americans...bear the ark of liberties of the world."

OK, OK...I'm trying to wrap it up!!!  
Thank you so much for coming by...I am always glad to see you, and hear from you!  Thanksgiving is here in a few days, yay!  Good Eats to all!  
Have a safe holiday-Hugs to you all!!!

And, I leave you with a short video I took of our 'Scootie' in the Spring this year (it's just a little over one minute).  And, it's amazing, the joy a small child brings, just by being himself, or herself.  

See you soon!

"You can't depend on your eyes when
your imagination is out of focus."
~my friend, Mark Twain