dinner is served

We suddenly realized that friends of our were moving back to Singapore next month and if we were going to have them over for dinner it had to be this past weekend. I don't mind impromptu if I have time to cook, and I did on Saturday. I actually enjoyed spending time in the kitchen.  Strawberries and blueberries were reasonably priced and as sweet as could be. I decided to make a fruit tart.

The Gardener wanted me to make things simple. Buy potato salad to go with the grilled chicken. That was not on my agenda. Roasted potato salad is just the best, especially if you throw in a little bacon. It turned out well.

As did the tart. I was admiring it so much I almost forgot to put the glaze on. This was a glaze using limeade. I thought the lime taste may have made it too "tart" (no pun intended), but it did mellow the sweetness.

What a looker! The glaze is like putting on lip gloss, eh?

I've started making my niece's recipe of "Patience Iced Tea"--sort of a take off on the sun tea we used to make. I usually change the recipe a bit, but I've included it for those interested. This time I made both peach and blueberry tea (both without caffeine) and I did not use any citrus with the blueberry.

Patience Peach Iced Tea (no heat)

1 pretty pitcher (necessity)

2 quarts water 

6 peach tea bags

2 Tb raw honey (I left this out)

1/8 orange slice, squeezed (can use OJ in a pinch)

1/3 C sugar

1 Tb lemon juice

Let teabags steep unheated for 30 minutes, then carefully drain liquid from teabags and toss.

Add honey and sugar and stir vigorously

Place in frig to serve chilled

May garnish with lemon rings or orange rings floating in pitcher

It was perfect weather for an evening on the porch. The hydrangeas were starting to bloom and just happened to match the mix of blue and green dishes.
A good time was had by all, but I admit I fell into bed exhausted later that evening!

diner dining

A large wooded area at the edge of our little neighborhood was suddenly cleared and in no time a small shopping strip appeared. We watched with interest, of course, what businesses would take up residence. Eventually an "old fashioned" diner appeared. The owners are Greek and from New York. How good can it get? They serve breakfast all day. And we can walk there.

We went, and have gone again. Their motto is "uniquely distinct and undoubtedly familiar." Its the "familiar" that gets me. Even after 20+ years of living in the south, I still feel like a northerner and love diners (especially those in a real train car).  And for 8.95 you get so much food you can eat it there, take it home for another meal, and still have enough to make soup. Delicious. It's funny how we have sort of become part owners of this place. Well, not really, but you get attached to something local, especially when it's not part of a chain. You want to see it do well, especially starting up in hard times. When we drive past it going out of our neighborhood we always check to see how many cars are parked there. We were there last week and noticed how people are sort of becoming community there and how some folks had to wait for a table. There was even talk of expansion to the empty store next door. Good news for a regular place for regular people in these tough times. 

easy?

We were talking with some friends last week over dinner on our porch. We discussed how life had not turned out the way we had planned. You know, as children we read storybooks and somehow assume that the life ahead of us will be like one. But deep disappointments, hurts, adjustments, all kinds of twists and turns arrive at the doorsteps of our lives. Last weekend our newspaper had a feature article on Ruth Gr*ham. The headline described what she said about her life with a husband away much of the time. "It's not easy. But God never promised easy."

Note to the younger generation (and myself): Be flexible. Don't be disappointed when roses don't always grow in your garden. Accept what comes with grace. Remember, God never promised easy, but He did promise to be there in the journey with us, helping us place one foot in front of the other. 

little chatter

Another package came from Lulu ... they are such fun to open. This time it included some mystery Dutch figurines ... we're not sure whose they are but I did buy them in Holland and am glad to see them again. But also included was another little journal book. Since it was a "Dick and Jane" theme, she suggested I use it to collect funny things Little One says. I remember wanting to write down so many things our kids said, but then forgetting to. I promise if Youngest and DIL send them to me, I will write them down.

So far the funniest things I think Little One says are:  when she sees a flower, it's a sniff. She wrinkles up her little nose and sniffs as hard as she can. Sometimes we hear her sniffing and look around as we know there's a flower somewhere nearby. She learned this through the Pat the Bunny Book. Remember the page where you sniffed the lovely (?) scent of the flower? The other funny thing Little One "says" is a high, tiny shriek whenever she spots a photo of her mommy's sister. Obviously that means "fun." It makes us laugh. We also hear "Daisy" (for dog) and "Baby" a lot, as well as "mama" and "dada" and some other things sounds that are beginning become clearer. Not bad chatter for almost a year old.

Speaking of funny things, my mother was describing a man she knows who had just come back from being away. "He looks a bit different," she stated, "His hair is pasted in a different direction."

a living dream

Rhondi is having a porch party. I don't often participate in "blog parties" but could not resist this one. Stop by her blog if you love porches, and want to see more!

I grew up with a back porch, and took it for granted. And my entire adult life I have dreamed of having a back porch again. I love to be outside, but bugs love me too much. So a screened porch would be just great, I thought to myself, year after year.

The Gardener had some serious health scares a couple of years ago, reminding us to be grateful for each and every day we have together. Around that time we were given a big gift, enough to build a porch. I'm not one to spend money easily, but knowing that life is short, we put two and two together and decided it was time to enjoy a porch. 

It took a long time to build it, and we found one thing leading to another, as happens with construction, but eventually it was finished. We found the couch and coffee table on Cr*ig's list, the table and chairs at the Salv*tion Army, the wicker chair at Ha*itat for Humanity, and the bench and rocker have been in the family for years. Talented friend Susanna made me the quilted table runner.

And what a wonderful thing it is for us. It's like having a mini vacation every day. Not a day goes by that I'm not thankful for our screened porch.  Our friends are drawn to it, we eat out on it, we take naps there, we read there, we sit and talk there ... we love our porch and are forever grateful to the dear friend who gave us such a gift.

i took a vow

Some things just stick with you. I remember the first lecture in nursing school. It was about contamination––a black and white film. Everything carelessly contaminated became red. I still think about it when I work. I also have not forgotten a vow I took years ago at a women's meeting. The fire department did a presentation on infant burns. We saw slide after slide of tiny charred babies--from hands or feet to major portions of their bodies.  Such burns are easily avoided. Most occurred from spilling a hot drink. How many times, while holding a baby, are we tempted to pick up our cup of tea or coffee? We just  never know when a child is going to make a fast move. Do we think we have steady hands when a baby is wiggling? Just a dollop of a coffee spill on a wee one can be a significant percentage of his or her body. 

Not a pleasant subject? It made its impact and I've kept my vow and  haven't held a baby with a hot drink since. If this makes you think twice about sipping your drink while holding a baby, then it's worth my time writing!

ants in our mail

I could tell by the Gardener's voice that something was "off" when I phoned him the other afternoon. Actually he sounded irritated more than anything else.

"There's ants all over the mail," he exclaimed as I could hear shuffling around. "I just brought it in and they are going everywhere. I have to hang up."

It's those little irritating things that come up out of the blue that can really hinder a good outlook, isn't it? So small (especially the size of the ants :-) but so powerful in affecting us. 

Today I found some small flowers ready for picking. It's not all that often that fresh flowers come from our yard. I picked them and sat them next to my kitchen angel, who makes me smile and remember a good friend. It's those little things that come up out of the blue. They grab our focus, either brightening or dimming our day.

And, by the way, our mail now has the scent of bug spray. 

elegant solemnity

It was a hushed, most significant moment in a beautiful old church abounding in stained glass. The signing on as man and wife. Solemn vows gracefully said to the witness of  friends and family. Vows they will cling to when tough times come (and they will, don't we older folks know.) Beloved and familiar words, elegant in simplicity and solemnity. An exchange of rings, a prayer, a kiss, a pronouncement--a new family begins. After photos taken to remember the day, a party begins to celebrate the moment and to celebrate the new Mr. and Mrs.

I watched my friend dance with her first born, the groom. A poignant few moments, mother, head on tall son's shoulder, whispering farewell. No doubt in her heart she was thinking of all that had been poured forth into his life and all that had transpired to bring him to this marvelous moment.

Red is the Color

Red is the color of the poppy flower that I remember sticking on my shirt as a child. I knew it stood for Fla*ders Field in WW I (where many poppy flowers grow) and the soldiers that gave their lives there. Over time Memori*l Day has come to be a time to remember all our fallen soldiers, not just those from WW I.

I was out in the country this past weekend and spotted an elderly lady selling poppy flowers outside a store. I hadn't seen that in a long time. I dropped some money into her box and tucked the bright flower in my shirt button. It brought back childhood memories when Memori*l Day was a bigger deal. But I also bought it to remember something much bigger. I'm remembering in gratitude those that lost their lives defending our freedom.

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow 
Between the crosses row on row, 
That mark our place; and in the sky 
The larks, still bravely singing, fly 
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

                ~Lt. Colonel John McCrae

roomies

Little One and I had a sleep over. Her house. I woke to the sound of a little voice. Sunshine and smiles filled the room. And yes, she is saying her favorite word, "baby" which I possibly heard 10,000 times on my visit with her.

Note: Sorry the little video is not the best quality as I wanted to upload it without taking up a lot of "space." 

Pray, Dad, Pray

The shrill sound of a siren caused me to swing over to the edge of the road. I watched the fire truck weave it's way through vehicles scrambling to get out of the way. I found my eyes misting. I wondered what emergency the first responders were headed to. But it was thinking of my niece that really brought the emotion.

My brother got a thing started with his kids. When they are driving and hear a siren, they pray for the emergency. Now their youngest reminds her dad whenever she hears the sound of a siren. They live in an area where they hear sirens fairly often at their house. My SIL tells me that whenever there's the sound of one, they hear a little voice calling from somewhere in the house, "Pray, Dad, pray!" She doesn't let him miss a one. Not one. Today I could hear the echo of her sweet voice calling.

ask the world

"Ask the world to reveal its quietude--not the silence of machines when they are still, but the true quiet which birdsongs, trees, bellworts, snails, clouds, storms become what they are, and nothing else. " 

From Sabbaths 2001, by Wendell Berry

A quote sent to me by my good friend B.  After hearing so much about this author, I am finally reading one of his books.  But I must say, I'm so used to associating his name with B, that it sort of startles me to see his name on a book in my house. At the outset, it looks like I'll be enjoying a good read.

only a sister

A round cylinder arrived in the mail the other day. Inside I found this among other things. Only a sister knows so well just what you would like!  Ahh!

wait and see

The Gardener got wind of a way to make a new rosebush from friend Barbarino the other night. He stuck a cutting from her bush in a pot, created a green house or hot house of sorts, and we'll see what develops. Our friend's roses from this procedure are stunning. So, we have a lady in waiting in our garden right now.

This one also waits ... what color will she bloom this year?

caption?

a) Note new hair growth

b) Where'd the doggie go?

c) ?

a simple phrase

Just a simple phrase in our pastor's prayer Sunday burrowed into my heart. "According to His riches." He was speaking about how God can answer our deepest heart prayer ... the one we don't think could have an answer. Another pastor spoke later about practical atheism ... how we say God can do anything, but when it comes to our own seemingly insurmountable burden, we don't really believe He can. Or at least it's hard to keep up at that level of faith without falling into despair on occasion. Lack of faith in an all-powerful God? That's not believing He is who He says He is.  Is. 41:10 paraphrased: "Fear not ... be not dismayed ... I will help you ... I will uphold you."  Powerful words we can believe.  And all because of His riches.

the answer

My first (and only other) boyfriend picked a daisy from a meadow and handed it to me. It was the late sixties and daisies were popular then anyway, but it became my favorite flower. Maybe it's the simplicity of the flower, or the "he loves me, he loves me not" charm of it. So when friend Susannah brought daisies to swim in the centerpiece for our table last Saturday, I was pleased. 

I guess no one knew my favorite flower, or my all-time love of green, for there was no suggestion of #8 as the correct answer. The favored choices, with their simplicity and blue do look like me, I agree. I also thought the 70s era china (daisies again) might give it away. Thanks for the guesses, and for reading my blog.

which one?

1.

Our DIY day at church Saturday was full of inspiration. It nourished our souls, bellies, imaginations, eyes, and minds. I hope I'll make a better cupcake now, and use my camera more creatively. About ten women hosted tables that they had set with their best china and superb artistry. Mine was a cooperative effort which made it more special to me. But it all was such a feast to the eyes! Can you guess which table setting is mine?

2.

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.9.10.

My mom is almost 88. I don't take lightly the blessing it is to still go to her house, feel at "home," and gain from her wisdom. A privilege I realize others do not have. What a treasure she is to all of us, and how I wish I could be half the woman she is. Soft spoken, rarely a complaint, serving us all her life without a murmur. When I think back on her life, she is a prize among women. Happy Mother's Day Mom!

Photo: check out the bobby pin rosebud!

dish detail

Such beauty and art I see in dishes of all sorts. I could get a new set at least once a month. Half the fun (or more) of getting ready for guests, for me,  is setting the table.  These photos are not all of my table settings, by the way. Four are mine, two are from home tours, two are friends', and one is a spectacular gala I caught sight of  before it began. 

This Saturday women from our church are gathering to take classes on interesting topics (such as cupcake making, photography, running marathons, etc.) and in the middle we'll break for lunch---served on beautiful china. Various women are bringing their china and setting pretty tables for us to enjoy. I am looking forward to seeing them all.

a word about fb

So the other night I was on FB  ( f  *    c    e     b  o   o  k  ). It was a kind of active night--my cousin wrote something, an old friend did as well; new baby pictures to gaze upon--

I decided to pull up the "online friends" screen. I looked at it and started to process who was on--who I was at that moment connected to--who I "know what they are doing at this moment, because, uh, they are on their computer." Who was I connected so nonchalently with?

Two dear nursing school friends who I could pick up with as if we hadn't been apart--though we haven't seen each other in at least 25 years; my earliest childhood friend (from birth); my niece; my cousin's daughter; two cousins; an old homeschooling friend; two current-day friends; current work colleagues, a friend from our days in Africa; a young man who was in our youth group (well, he's not young anymore); a new missionary friend who just killed a snake in her kitchen in far away Africa; the son of a former boss; an old friend who handed down her baby boy clothes to us; and a college friend who I used to work with in the college kitchen before his draft number came up so low he quit school and joined the navy (I found that out on FB). That's it for the moment, but more names jumped on and off even as I was collecting these. 

Kind of a weird thing. It brings together the past and the present, connections from all aspects of my life. I saw photos of new dogs, new grandbabies, Easter photos, mother-daughter banquets, family photos ...

This is all on a random evening--just 15 minutes of my time. Maybe its just too much connection... too much information.... Probably.  But it is such fun.