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
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!
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.
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!
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!
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
Hi there Suzanne! Lovely to read your post. I've learnt a lot about Pecans now thanks to you.
ReplyDeleteActually, I had only tasted them this year - our local Bakery has started making Pecan Pies and they are so rich a delicious. Now I'll think of you and your lovely trees each time I eat one :D)
Have always been a fan of Tommy Lee Jones... whenever I read that he's in a movie, I know I'll enjoy it.
That was such a gorgeous video of Scootie - he's a real cutie and didn't he enjoy investigating his new friend! (Loved the gloves too)!
Enjoyed your sidebar once again too - always something new sitting there.
I hope your week is going well, cheerio for now xx
Hi Susan, I haven't always been a fan of Pecans, I prefer walnuts, but, pecans are good when they're roasted on top of brownies! And, I too just really like Tommy Lee Jones, no matter what he does!
DeleteScootie has such fun, and, we let him experience all he can outdoors...he just laughs and runs! The gloves really made us laugh, he's such a card! Thank you so much for stopping over, I'm glad you enjoyed my post. Friday coming up, yay! Have a great weekend Susan, hugs to you! (loved your pelicans!)
Another coincidence! You and that other Susan at Kard Korner both love Mark Twain! I thought Shady Del Knight was your favorite author! (LOL) I'll tell you this, dear friend. Your blog is beautiful to look at and great fun to read. I love your tag line: "Loving what I grow...learning as I go."
ReplyDeleteI discovered Tommy Lee Jones way back when. I used to watch him years ago on the soap opera One Life to Live. Remember his role in The Fugitive?
Deputy Marshal Samuel Gerard: Alright, listen up, people. Our fugitive has been on the run for ninety minutes. Average foot speed over uneven ground barring injuries is 4 miles-per-hour. That gives us a radius of six miles. What I want from each and every one of you is a hard-target search of every gas station, residence, warehouse, farmhouse, henhouse, outhouse and doghouse in that area. Checkpoints go up at fifteen miles. Your fugitive's name is Dr. Richard Kimble. Go get him.
I love pecans. I used to buy pecan rolls and logs at a shop called South of the Border on my yearly trip south to Myrtle Beach. I also love pecan pies.
Happy belated b-day to Scootie. A fine boy he is and lucky to have you as his grandmother. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, dear Susan. I am very thankful to have you as a friend!
Hi Shady! I loved 'the Fugitive'! I've watched it at least 4 times now, he is the greatest. Yeah, it's a coincidence allright, that other one at the KardKorner seems to have a bit in common, and, she is a fan of the Shady Del writer!
DeleteI'm so glad you enjoy my blog...it's all a learning process isn't it? And, what fun Scootie had playing with that worm. He is so interested in anything that moves.
Thank you so much for coming by Shady! It's always good to see you. Pecan rolls are pretty darn good, and, sweet! Have a great Thanksgiving, my friend!♫
So cute...slimy green worm has Scooter captivated.
ReplyDeleteThose pecans bring back memories of my grandparents in Junction and their buckets of pecans that I did not appreciate back then. Do you she'll them yourself? Yum.
Hi Nancy, we do shell the pecans ourselves. Karo is bagging them up to make pralines with. I usually freeze them in the bags, and take them out as I need them. These are kind of small, but sweet!
DeleteScooter just turned 4 years old, and is having a great time outdoors, he doesn't care what the weather is like! We have so much fun with him.
Thank you for coming by Nancy, I hope you are doing well. Have a great Thanksgiving weekend!
Hi Suzanne. What an interesting post about the pecan nuts. I love them, and lucky you, actually having a pecan tree in your garden. I think I'm definitely going to have to move to America to get some of your lovely weather! What a super video of little Scooter! They're just so cute at that age, aren't they. Oh, I've just noticed my blog badge on the side bar here! You are a sweetie! Hope all is well with you over there, and no doubt you are getting reading for the Thanksgiving celebrations right now. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteHello Thisisme! It is nice to have a pecan tree in the yard, and I didn't even have to buy it! Lately, our weather is very nice, but pretty cool in the mornings! I am grateful for the coolness-got my black trench coat out (I call it my 'Jane Bond'coat, lol)
ReplyDeleteI did grab your blog button a few months ago. I tried to get it one time, and it wouldn't come over. I gave up, then tried again, this time I got it. We are getting ready for Thanksgiving, will be going west to my brother-in-law and sister-in-law's for a family dinner. There's always so much food and fun! Thank you so much for coming by, I hope you and your granddaughter are starting to feel better! See you soon!♥
yikes...i fell behind here! u should've given me a nudge, i would've come over sooner! sometimes i get sidetracked & then don't know where i have and have NOT been! haha
ReplyDeletethere are pecan groves around here too...but to me, the trees look dead. i wonder if there's something that killed them? or maybe the groves were left unattended or something? but i do love pecans...any kind of nuts! never heard of a drupe! never heard of pecans in jello either! haha!
tommy lee jones...a great actor!! so he's from TX?? ever seen him around ridin' his horse?!!
little scottie is adorable! aaaaah, it seems forever ago that the boys were young enough to have a simple caterpillar be their entertainment! just about 30 years ago! yikes!
anyway, have a great day!!