Keeping Cool

Here are a couple more pictures of our trip to Fredericksburg. This is the cute little cottage we rented during our stay. It was very charming and cozy, with lots of things to discover. I just love old houses and their creaky floors, don't you? My husband does not, but I couldn't get enough!

The gazebo covered hot tub that we got steamy in. I'll leave it at that. It really was too warm outside to be comfortable in, but it was nice and relaxing.

And LOOK! I even had time to whip up this fabulous cake! Kidding, it's made of styrofoam and fake icing :-) It's was a prop, which I think it beyond weird. Know what's even more weird? There were two of them, decorated with different color flowers. It was on display on the cupboard next to a cookbook. ha!

There was an attic in the house but the door was locked so Mr. H popped it open and we went up stairs. There wasn't much in there besides an air bed, but there was a tattered flag in the window that I caught my eye.

Before heading out to dinner we did a little window shopping and there was a sign place open so we wandered in. Mr. H loves signs. If we had blank walls in our garage, they'd be covered in signs. He did buy two of them, but there were thousands. This is one partial wall of 2 huge rooms.

I have a few more pictures for you involving a wonderful bakery and The Butterfly Haus. Those are for another day though.

Have I mentioned at all how hot it is here in Texas? We've been breaking record temperatures daily! it's been averaging between 102 -104 F. It did get up as hot as 107 though a couple weeks ago. Ridiculous! To cool off, I made popsicles! I found the popsicle molds at Goodwill for $2.99- score!

I found this recipe from Whole Foods and decided on it because I love orange and strawberry together. It reminds me of when I was a kid and I'd walk to the little corner mart across the street from my grandparents house. Aside from getting candy (Laffy Taffy), I'd get Tropicana Twisters in Strawberry Orange. Of course that was on the days I didn't get Clearly Canadian :-)

These popsicles were smooth and pulpy, but not hard and icy like most popsicles. They were tart and refreshing! Perfect for the sweltering heat!

Strawberry Orange Popsicles from Whole Foods

• 1 cup puréed strawberries*
• 1 cup frozen orange juice concentrate
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 to 4 tablespoons sugar
• Lime or lemon juice, to taste

Combine strawberry purée and orange juice concentrate in a medium bowl; set aside.

Heat water and sugar together in a small pot over medium heat, stirring just until sugar dissolves; add to bowl with strawberry-orange mixture. Stir in lime or lemon juice.

Fill popsicle molds with fruit mixture, making sure to leave a bit of room at the top for expansion when they freeze. Set the lids in place and insert the sticks through the holes.

Freeze until firmly set, 3 to 4 hours. To serve, first remove the lids or wrap then squeeze the sides of the molds, twisting them slightly, to dislodge each popsicle. (If necessary, rinse the outside of the molds briefly under hot water to unmold them.)

NOTE: These can be made in small cups or empty yogurt tubs as well. But be sure to stretch plastic wrap or foil across the top, then make a small incision in the top and insert a popsicle stick in each.

*For a smoother consistency, strain the puree of it's seeds.

Makes 8-10 popsicles, depending on size.

Updated: I entered this in the ice cream social sponsored by ScottySnacks, SavortheThyme and Tangled Noodle.