Miss Marple, Meet John Le Carre´

So far, my favorite tidbit about the Russian spy ring is the following, as reported on NPR, "The Guardian" and several other sources:

Upon learning the truth about the nice couple next door, a neighbor said, "They couldn't have been spies. Look what she did with the hydrangeas."

My favorite line from Agatha Christie is very similar. Miss Marple is a guest at a country house where, as luck would have it, there's a murder. After a few days' careful observation, she reveals the name of the murderer to the hostess, who replies, But she has the best herbaceous border in the county!

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of murder mysteries and, indeed, am writing one of my own. No, I'm not published (I hope I'm justified in adding yet), but some of my best friends are.

When you settle into your room, you're likely to notice a couple of books, for loan or resale. One is a true crime story by Laura James. Besides the quality of the writing, what's truly fun about The Love Pirate and the Bandit's Son is that much of the real life action happened in and around Sapulpa, Oklahoma, just east of the DBR.

The other books are from the new Medieval Noir series by Jeri Westerson. A devotee of medieval history, Jeri set out to bend the rules about what a historical novel set in the period could be. And her sleuth, a disgraced knight named Crispin Guest, bends them, indeed. As one reviewer put it, Crispin is "more Sam Spade than Brother Cadfael."

I hope to have Jeri on soon as a guest blogger, comparing the lawlessness of Oklahoma Territory and the Middle Ages. Trust me, there are comparisons. Besides, here at the 'Bean, we've been known to bend a few rules of our own.

Fresh Peach pie

Fresh peach pie.

Pastry for double crust pie.

Mix 4-5 cups sliced peaches, 3/4 c. sugar (less, if your peaches are as sweet as mine), 3 T tapioca. Dot with 2 T butter. Vent upper crust. The tapioca keeps the juice nice and clear, rather than clouded as flour would

.

Bake 40-50 minutes in upper third of 425 oven. Before baking, I like to embellish with a few sprinkles of sugar and a little freshly grated nutmeg.

BTW--The DBR provides seasonal treats for guests, such as the above, in addition to breakfast items. I picked peaches this morning and tonight the pie is cooling in the kitchen. Doesn't it make you wish you were here to enjoy it?

The Sweet Summer Begins

Can you name anything sweeter than the first peach of the year, eaten right there in the orchard fresh off the tree, with warm, sticky juice dripping down your chin? I didn't think so--I can't, either.

Peach harvest has begun on the Dancing Bean Ranch. Though our orchard is small, our peaches ripen in succession so for the next few weeks expect fresh peaches on your breakfast tray.

An Even More Amazing Offer

Here on the Dancing Bean Ranch, we have World Cup Fever. In honor of the best ever American team, we're offering a 5% discount to anyone who can name the player who scored the goal that put the USA into the second round. Add 5% more if you identify the minute of play in which it was scored.

What's this got to do with the pictured rose? Nothing, really. But I didn't have a photo of Landon Donovan (NOOO!!! I've given away the first answer) or a soccer ball. It's the first rose of the season, and I thought it was nice. Except, I just noticed it's upside down and staring at it is making me dizzy. You've been warned.

June is for Rainbows

Recently, Bill and I were treated to the sight of the finest rainbow either of us had ever witnessed, arcing horizon to horizon over the Dancing Bean Ranch. A fainter rainbow haloed it.

Wild West Show!

The Pawnee Bill Wild West Show begins this Saturday and continues for the next two Saturdays: June 12 19, 26. With an afternoon parade from downtown to the historic Pawnee Bill Ranch (just like they did it in the old days), re-enactors (including gun fights right out of an old western movie), historic displays at the Pawnee Bill Ranch and tours of the mansion and museum, it's all day entertainment that's almost as educational as it is fun.

The 'Bean is fully booked for the first weekend, June 12, but still has vacancies for the next two weekends. The sooner we know, the better, since showtime is a busy season.

And if you need a break from the excitement (or the heat, depending on the weather) the swimming pool is open.

Help! I'm sore.

I'm home after three days at the Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (Oklahoma Conference) and all that sitting and insomnia have my old joints aching

Happily, I know just what to do: hie me down to Emma Ellis at The Healing Touch. With thirty years experience as a massage therapist, Emma knows exactly what needs kneading. And the accoutrements--oils, massage bed, towels and so forth-- are strictly top rate.

Or--Listen up!--she will bring her portable massage table to the 'Bean and do massage in your room. Okay, I know what you're thinking: Massage? In my room? Hasn't anyone told you we're in a recession, crazy Dancing Bean lady? Who can afford a luxury like that? You! That's who.

For just $45.00 an hour, Emma will do massage therapy right in your room. If you choose to go downtown and get the full treatment--low lights, meditative music and warmed massage bed-- the cost is just $35.00 an hour.

The Healing Touch opened for business just a few weeks ago, and these are introductory rates. They won't last forever, so book your appointment soon.