JEAN'S MAGICAL GARDEN

JEAN'S MAGICAL GARDEN

Lifeguard chair "left by the beach fairies"

When I pulled into the driveway a few days ago, I was surprised to find an unusual item left on my front deck. It was a lifeguard chair! Did the beach fairies get lost and accidentally leave the chair in a mountainous setting instead of by the sea by mistake? After contemplating this strange phenomenon, I figured it out. It had to have been left by my neighbors, the Robertsons.

Sidegate entrance into the courtyard

Close up of Jean's wire and metal sculpture

Jean and her husband Bob, have the most fanciful, imaginative garden I’ve ever seen, including any that have appeared in national magazines. I figured they must have found the chair somewhere and thought of me. They fessed up to the deed, said they had hauled it all the way from Richmond just for me. They just knew I needed it for my pool area. I am grateful to have such considerate neighbors and grateful to have such a gem to work with. I am now left with the nagging thought of ‘what to do to spiff it up.’

Six foot tall sculpture of goddess inside courtyard

Courtyard includes stained glass and sculpture

I took a walk through Jean’s garden yesterday, trying to drum up some ideas or at least gain inspiration as to how to approach refurbishing my newly acquired sculpture.

I am greeted by the hardwood birdhouses Jean creates

Every single inch of this garden provides a vista that relaxes, yet revitalizes you at the same time. To walk along the path makes you feel as though you have just entered a nature retreat. Jean is a sculptor and makes use of discarded items, garage sale finds and flea market treasures. She says she can’t stand to see any item go to the dump when she knows it can be turned into a treasure. And..treasures abound in the Robertson garden.

Garden path leading to aviary and waterpond

Water pond featuring koi and exotic water plants

Another view of the water pond with more of Jean's amazing sculpture

Purple vessels and statuary reflect a monastery atmosphere

Jean's handcrafted clay fish bird feeders add whimsy

Metal sculpture of man and pink guitar

I love the almost life size metal horse sculpture

Birdhouses Jean created using porch columns

Bottle tree

Sculptures are tucked into areas along the many paths

Mosaic of woman guarding plants

Before leaving this magical garden, I must comment on the birds I saw flitting from one of Jean's many feeders to the other. The sound of the water, the birds melody and the light breeze gently coaxing the chimes to ring put me in a meditative state. I found it hard to leave this haven. The photos I have shown do not do justice to this charming garden. One has to walk the path, hear the song and feel the ambiance to fully appreicate it's worth.

Sculpture Jean recycled from fence pickets

The Robertsons listed their home for sale a few weeks ago. I will be so sorry to see them go but will always remember the spark they added to our neighborhood. Their telephone number is 540-776-6568 for anyone interested.

Another small garden room

In honor of Jean and Bob’s gift to me and because I have been blogging for four months now and want to celebrate that experience, I have decided to have a contest and a giveaway. To provide you with a little hint, it will be a contest involving the lifeguard chair. Tune in for my next post. I will explain all about the contest and show pictures of all the wonderful gifts I have planned for the winner.

SESAME CHICKEN SALAD

SESAME CHICKEN SALAD

Sesame Chicken Salad

This salad features a blend of flavors with an oriental flare. I have served it for many years to family and friends. It seems to be appreciated at most of the potluck dinners I have attended as well. I always return with an empty bowl and a request for the recipe. It is light, health conscious and very easy to prepare.

A perfect blend of ingredients

Handmade recipe I created for my family and friends

Recipe source: Third printing 1988 Sunset Fresh Ways with Salads

CROWN JEWEL SILENT ART AUCTION

CROWN JEWEL SILENT ART AUCTION

The first annual Crown Jewel Silent Art Auction was held last night at Center in the Square Gallery. About thirty artists participated, contributing seventy-five works of art.

Sal Corral acted as the master of ceremonies.

I was amazed and delighted that Sal Corral had such a profound understanding of the work of each and every one of the artists who participated in our auction. He introduced us and asked us to tell a bit about ourselves. Sal will be leaving Roanoke in September to study in London. We certainly will miss him.

Catherine Devine’s magical painting

Jim Sears and Michelle Anderson

Michelle Anderson purchased one of Catherine Devine's magnificent paintings from president of the Center, Jim Sears. Jim is downsizing but was very reluctant to let this painting go.

Marino and Freda Colmano

We had some interesting guests from all corners of the world. Marino Colmano was here from San Franciso. He is originally from Italy and has come to the valley to live for a while. I viewed his website at www.marinocolmano.com and was amazed at his fabulous cinematography and photography.

Peter Fitzgibbon

Peter Fitzgibbon, a guitarist specializing in jazz and fusion, provided the evening's musical entertainment. Peter can be reached at fitzgibbonps@gmail.com

Various works of art ready for auctioning

Trish Foutz checks in and is given bid number

Debi Stump with Deborah Goglia, founder of gallery at Center in the Square

Merideth serves wine

Seafood Tortellini Salad and Cranberry Pecan "Whip Her Ups"

Guests listen to introduction

Sumptuous buffet

Guests mingled and discussed the works presented. Bids were made. Food and wine were consumed, and everyone agreed that the night was a complete success!

The bidding closes on Saturday at 5:00. We hope many more people will take the opportunity to bid on some wonderful works of art at very low prices!

A CHEF’S GATHERING

Wayne's homegrown heirloom tomatoes

If you are ever invited to a chef’s home for dinner, take my advice and go. Sunday night, a dozen or so of us enjoyed an evening of excellent conversation and exceptional food.

Jason and Elizabeth

We were greeted by our host, chef Wayne St. Clair, at the tomato-laden front steps of his home. I am amazed that anyone can grow such beautiful heirloom tomatoes in what I consider to be small pots.

Cherokee purple, brandywine and carolina gold heirloom tomatoes

Wayne got the evening rolling by serving his special Rum punch. What a refreshing welcome on such a hot evening!

Wayne's gift of liquid smoke

I had looked forward to this night for some time because Wayne promised he’d show me firsthand how to use the liquid smoke he gave me at the beginning of the summer. He did not let me down. He used it to prepare the most delicious pulled pork barbecue I have ever tasted.

Wayne's recipe for Pulled Pork Barbecue

The pulled pork was a boneless half pork loin slow roasted at 325 for an hour a pound. It's wrapped in two layers of foil and placed in a dish with water half way up. The sauce was tomato paste, onion and garlic powders, chili powder, brown mustard, molassas, brown sugar, water and the smoked vinegar.

Scallop ceviche

Another dish that Wayne prepared for us was his scallop ceviche. This is an outstanding dish that I plan to serve soon. He marinated bay scallops and salmon overnight in peach vinegar. He drained and then added fresh vinegar ginger, grape tomatoes, scallions, peaches, basil leaves and salt and pepper.

Crab stuffed jalapenos

If you like spicy hot food, you will fall in love with Wayne’s jalepeno crab stuffed peppers. I couldn’t resist trying a bite, even though I tend not to like spicy food. Because they looked so delicious, I sampled just a small corner of one of the peppers and had to drink a huge glass of water followed – of course – by wine.

For 36 stuffed peppers:

Take the peppers and roast them until charred...place them in a container to steam for 15 minutes then rinse off the charred skin.

Wearing rubber gloves slit the peppers from cap to tip then using a small spoon scoop out as many seeds and as much of the spines as you can.

1 pound crabmeat
3/4 pound = or - ricotta cheese
3 cloves minced garlic
1 heaping teaspoon horseradish
3 scallions minced
3 tablespoons lemon juice
salt and pepper
5 eggs
1/3 cup planko bread crumbs
2 cups corn meal
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

throughly mix all of the above except for the olive oil and corn meal and 3 of the eggs then let rest for 15 to 20 minutes

Take about a tablespoon or two based on the size of the pepper and stuff the peppers.

roll the peppers in the egg then in the corn meal to coat.

Place on a greased pan and drizzle with the extra virgin olive oil each of the peppers then bake at 350 for 25 minutes.

Wayne also wanted us to try one of his heirloom tomato salads. It’s hard to believe tomatoes can be that delicious!

Heirloom tomatoes Wayne used for his salad

Wayne’s home is tastefully decorated with tokens of his Baha’i faith, and family memorabilia. His walls are not only artistic, but also provide fascinating insight into his spiritual life and personal history.

Memorabilia from Wayne's grandfather

Tibetian Buddhist prayer beads sent to Wayne from a friend who teaches English in Sichuan.

Addu'l-Baha

The founder of the Baha’I faith was Baha’u’llah. He led the faith from 1863 to 1892. His son, pictured above, was Addu’l-Baha. He led from 1892-1921.

Wayne’s two well-behaved pets, Smokey the cat and Grover Maxwell Underfoot, added extra entertainment to the evening.

Dian with Smokey the cat

Jason and Nancy have a common interest in Maine

Several of the guests have a common interest in Maine, which is where Wayne lived for twenty years. He is headed back in a few weeks. He told us he hopes to put lobsters on the endangered species list. It will be interesting to see what kind of dishes he prepares with the lobster he is planning to bring back to Roanoke.