Friday night grateful moment

It has been a warm week all over the Pacific Northwest... but, a fairly typical July in Walla Walla. I really feel for friends sans AC, as well as those not acclimatized to the heat, or those in humid places. Ugh. Here though, I can already feel the days getting shorter (what, dark at 8:30?) and starting out cooler, so I can feel and anticipate that bestest and most fantastic time of year... autumn. Crisp, clear, cool... ah. Just thinking about it makes me happy. And so very grateful, of course!

*Thankful that Seth came home bright and early this morning. Our intention had been to leave on vacation this morning, but that didn't happen... so very much on husband's workplate. So he's at work clearing things off his desk and we're here at home getting ready for our departure... tonight? tomorrow? Who knows... but we know we'll love hitting the road as soon as it happens.

*Grateful for the juxtaposition of work and relaxation. Nothing makes me happier than getting things done, then taking a well-deserved break. Seth was greatly reassured that he and I, at least, are already on vacation and that I don't have a pile of yard work lined up for him. He's been going going going so much this summer we really want/need a good relax together. And I'm all about that right now. (Ask me about my nap yesterday afternoon. So rare. So precious. Quite relaxing.)

*So thankful for a garden that's putting out peppers, basil, tomatoes, zucchini, summer squash and eggplant at a good clip. It's wonderful to see all the plants respond to water and sunshine and all my humming and singing in the garden (it's the humming and singing that makes the difference, I'm convinced of that). And, of course, I had a pesto and roasted veggie wrap for lunch and it was like eating summer.

*Thankful that the apricots have been ripening somewhat gradually. I have been able to marginally stay ahead of them--I can pick for an hour or so every morning and get my 50-75 pounds and come back the next day for the same amount. I have also been fairly successful in finding good homes for the lovely (a friend even called them "gifted" apricots) little fruit, and haven't quite resorted to dropping them on the doorsteps of strangers, ringing the bell and running away... though it has crossed my mind.


*Grateful for hope and peace in a time that still seems largely marked by fear and uncertainty. Which is not to say I don't have my moments... but with a little peace, quiet, prayer and recentering, it's possible (most days) to find the peace again.



*So grateful for the song and dance show we get to watch each week right now. I am just always so amazed at the creativity and athleticism that they all bring each week... two new dance styles and a group routine AND a solo. Holy cow. In one week. I am always so impressed, even if I don't always agree with the voting results! (Though I have to say, all things being equal, now that we're all caught up on our dvr'd episodes, that I'm cool with the final 4. I could live with any of them as the top dancer... 'cept maybe Evan. Love him, love his style, but top dancer?)

*Thankful for a fun week, music-wise. Did a little lookin' around and using itunes Genius is just a really fun way to find other artists and songs you might like... here are a few I found that I love (though I think this first one came my way through Pandora, another wonder of the internet):


I have always wanted to own this song, ever since Toy Story 2. Just discovered Sarah's Rarities, B-Sides and Other Stuff, Vol. 2, which has She Loved Me as well as some other lovely tidbits:


This one really was from Genius!


And I'm a little late to the Ben Folds party, I know, but I'm currently IN LOVE with this song...


*Grateful for encouragement. To each of you who has encouraged me regarding this blog, or just writing in general, thanks. It means a great deal. I got an email from an college classmate this week reminding me of how much I enjoyed poetry writing in college, and how much he appreciated my writing, and also happened upon an old folder of writing from that same era (20+ years ago... that slays me!). So I'm bolstered and encouraged to try my hand at some essays and poetry again, and was even discussing short stories with a friend yesterday... that would really take me out of my comfort zone, to say the least... Found this quote that seemed kind of appropriate:
If you don’t feel that you are possibly on the edge of humiliating yourself, of losing control of the whole thing, then probably what you are doing isn’t very vital. --John Irving
Well, there you have it... On to humiliation!
Happy weekend, everybody. Wherever you are, make it a good one.

Thursday 13: 13 reasons I love summer

We are well and truly in the midst of summer. And it does seem to be racing by. While fall is my favorite season, I have come to love summers here in Walla Walla. Ironically, for all the heat this area is known for, this week we've had lower temperatures than our oven-baked friends on the other side of the state... (I had to add the Thursday Thirteen graphic for this week--it just seemed so appropriate for my list!)

But for me, here are the best things of summer:
1. The never-ending parade of fresh fruits and vegetables. I picked peppers and cucumbers and zucchini from the garden tonight, and popped cherry tomatoes by the handful as I was wandering through. For supper: a roasted vegetable and pesto taco... it was amazing.

2. Early morning sunshine. I love having it light so early in the morning. I've somehow turned into a morning person and my best energy is from 6-10 a.m. Go figure.

3. Later evening sunsets. The sunsets have been gorgeous and red this week, very full of harvest dust. Of course, by the time I run for my camera, it's gone. Poof.

4. Flowers. The zinnias are growing, the snaps are blooming, the butterfly bush is doing its thing and lavendar is getting ready for its second go-around. I really enjoy all the color and texture of summer flowers and am plotting a cutting garden for next summer...

5. Sprinklers. I love water and how it cools and sprays.

6. Ice cream. Sorbet. Gelato. Popsicles. Fudge bars. Whatever's cool and sweet, it's summer!

7. Basil. This ingredient deserves a number all to itself. I can't get enough.

8. Ever-changing tan lines. I noticed I need to sun my feet today... the little line around my ankle from socks and shoes while working in the yard is kind of obvious... I need some just "lyin' around" time.

9. Pedicures. Yes, you can get these year round, but they are best in the summer when sandles and flip flops rule. If you can't flaunt the pretty toes, it seems a shame. I indulged myself today during the worst heat of the day and it felt positively posh. (Try not to notice that my feet are already dirty again... my goodness, those piggies just can't stay out of the dirt, can they?)

10. Summer reading. Why is it you can get away with fluffier reading in the summer? You just can, or at least I can. I've been indulging in all kinds of audio fluff while working in the yard and it's wonderful! It's my equivalent of a "beach read."

11. The aromas of summer. From the first harvests of the Walla Walla Sweet Onions (makes the fields smell like sour cream and onion chips!) to freshly mowed grass or alfalfa, to some of the beautifully scented flowers (love my mock orange, see above), I love inhaling them all. Even the dirt smells better in the summer!

12. Air conditioning. I may like the warmth, but I'm not stupid. I love my AC, whether in the house or the car.

13. Extra time with the boy(s). This really is my No. 1 favorite thing about summer. The young man and I get extra time together, and then the three of us get away for family time too. Doesn't get much better than that. Routine, schmoutine. There's plenty of time for that come fall!

What are your favorite things about summer?

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Wordless Wednesday #9: Honkin' big blueberries

From the mouths of babes

You've probably all seen this before, but I hadn't; so when it came on its merry forwarding way to me today, I thought I'd share. It's too hot to be actually creative and write my own material, much less cook (what's that? It's watermelon for supper tonight!), so I'm letting the kids speak for me.

How do you decide who to marry?
You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.
-Alan, age 10

No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.
-Kristen, age 10

What is the right age to get married?
Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.
-Camille, age 10

How can a stranger tell if two people are married?
You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.
-Derrick, age 8

What do you think your mom and dad have in common?
Both don't want any more kids.
-Lori, age 8

What do most people do on a date?
Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.
-Lynnette, age 8

On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.
-Martin, age 10

What would you do on a first date that was turning sour?
I'd run home and play dead. The next day I would call all the newspapers and make sure they wrote about me in all the dead columns.
-Craig, age 9

When is it OK to kiss someone?
When they're rich.
-Pam, age 7

The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that.
-Curt, age 7

The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.
-Howard, age 8

Is it better to be single or married?
It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.
-Anita, age 9

How would the world be different if people didn't get married?
There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?
-Kelvin, age 8

And the #1 favorite is...
How do you make a marriage work?
Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a truck hit her.
-Ricky, age 10

I like that Ricky! He can come hang out with me any time.

Tuesday Table Topics #5: 20 pounds or celery?

The question I pulled for this week is kind of a no-brainer, for me: Would you rather live on celery or be 20 pounds overweight?

Um. I'll take that extra 20, Bob, thanks.

Not only do I not enjoy celery (it's only passable with a good dallop of peanut butter), I also can't really imagine eating only ONE thing indefinitely. And if I did have to choose one thing, it couldn't possibly be celery. Maybe pesto pasta. Or guacamole. Or pizza. Or tacos. Notice none of those items are a single ingredient... and none of them are really in the healthy category. Hence the extra 20, I guess.

I'm not saying weight isn't important... to me. It is. Kind of. But not to the detriment of my widely varied and highly subjective menu planning. So you can stick that in your jar of peanut butter and bite it, Table Topics!

A little inspirational weekend video sharing

Here are a couple of videos to contemplate in your quiet weekend hours. The first one is very up my alley in terms of the grateful list concept. The second one I have known of for some time and finally remembered it enough to go find it on youtube. If you can get through the second one without at least a little lump in your throat, well, good for you.

Both of these ladies are authors. I've read one of Katherine Center's books (The Bright Side of Disaster, a good read) and have the sample for Kelly Corrigan's (The Middle Place) downloaded to my Kindle... it's down the list a bit, but I am very much looking forward to it.

Katherine Center


Kelly Corrigan

Friday night grateful moment

It is completely silent right now... no dogs barking, no TV, no irrigation running on the alfalfa... just so peaceful and calm. So lovely, a great start to the weekend.

This week my blessings are many, as always...
*Thankful that Seth called this morning from basketball camp in Spokane. He was in need of a little mom/stepdad encouragement, which we gave him in spades. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. is a long day for the littler guys, but he's holding his own and learning as he goes. He's rooming with a buddy from his team last winter, so that's really made this camp fun for him. We can't wait to see him next Friday!

*Very grateful that Ruby seems to be responding to my "bitter barrier" spray on the drip irrigation... she's not completely "cured," but it's much, much better. Our local Home Depot isn't going to know what's up in the world, without seeing me two, maybe three times a day. (I know, I could remember all my myriad yard needs at once, but why?!)


*Grateful to have gotten my brick project done in a couple of days. Not knowing what I was getting myself into (as per usual), I had a few moments of "what if this drags on for days?" as I was just starting... Luckily it all fell into place with a little elbow grease and sweat (well, a lot of that), and many many bottles of water. And some good audiobooks. I have mentioned my gratitude for those, right? And how.

*And also grateful that after living in this hot, dry climate for 20 years (more or less), 100 degrees F doesn't feel quite as bad as it used to. And today was only 88. Positively pleasant.

*Grateful for others who see the value in assessing blessings, choosing gratitude... I went on a little blog surf and found a few examples of others with this listing penchant... Here We Are Together from the UK; some great art examples on Getting My Feet Wet, The Haystack Needle's "things that make me happy" list, A Beautiful Truth, and many more. It was really amazing how many blogs I quickly found where the writer was talking about gratitude, whether on a regular weekly basis or just as a topic for the day.

*Grateful for old, new friends and all the inbetween friends. Sent a note to a very old friend from grades 9 and 10 in Canada who went with my on my first adventure to Australia 22 years ago. She was horrified to remember how long ago that was! Had coffee this morning with a neighbor-turning-into-new friend and enjoyed sharing stories, hearing where she's from and about her family. And had lunch with an "inbetween" friend, someone I've known for a few years and enjoy her company very much. Good times, good friends.
*Always grateful for the power of words. Here's a quote I found last weekend and really appreciate--can't remember where; if you shared it with me let me know!
"When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares." --Henri Nouwen

I would do well to heed those words! Oh yes.

And here's my Wordle of it, which I can't figure out how to make any bigger (Jen, help!)... so click on the picture and it will pop up bigger. I do love Wordle.



*Grateful for husband and all he shoulders at home and work to keep things going smoothly. As Seth says, "Yeah, but that's just who he is." True story.

*Grateful for giant blueberries now in season... massive, as it were. Size of your thumbnail. Well, my thumbnail, anyway... maybe bigger... I handed a few to husband last night while we were watching TV and he ate them, instantly said "Where did you get these?" Cuz they were just that good. Klicker's good. Worth the drive to the other end of town and back again, oh yeah.


*Grateful that I didn't forget to get tickets for the SYTYCD tour this fall. They went on presale at 10 a.m. this morning. I remembered at 11:45! Ran ran ran to my computer, clicketyclackety, voila, tickets were still available. And some decent ones, too. So come Nov. 21, Seth and I will be happily ensconced in the Comcast Arena watching the Top 10 (and Philip too, they've promised that!) do their thing. Happily.

*Most of all I'm grateful to be on this planet, at this time, knowing what I know (not much some days!), believing what I believe, loving who I love. It's a gift, and I accept it gratefully. And I'm not giving it back!

Happy weekend! Peace and joy.

Thursday 13: 13 summer salads I love!

Here is a great list by an all-time wonderful chef, Mark Bittman: 101 Simple Summer Salads. Looking it over, and salivating, of course, it made me think of my favorite summer salads... some you may even find on his list. We're that much alike, Mark and I. Well, I can always dream.

1. Greens with figs, chevre, hazelnuts and balsamic. Couldn't see that one coming, could you?

2. From-garden tomatoes with basil, pinenuts and parmesan. Who needs pasta? This is great all on its own.

3. Greens with raspberries, blue cheese and walnuts.

4. Fresh steamed green beans, hard boiled egg, kalamata olives, roasted red peppers and slivered almonds. My tuna-less version of a nicoise...



5. Roasted asparagus with goat cheese and hazelnuts. This one's a little more spring than summer, but I had to throw it in. (Picture has a variation with pecans instead of hazelnuts, and the addition of cherry tomatoes.)

6. Panzanella--bread salad with tomatoes and for a little extra *wow*, peaches. I just had this combination for the first time last year and am hooked.

7. Tomato, onion and cucumber salad with a light Italian dressing. This is one I make for husband a lot over the summer months, and it's become a fave of mine as well. Walla Walla Sweets for the onions, please!

8. Avocado, tomato, black bean, corn and peppers with a little lime juice and cumin. Maybe a few tortillas on the side...

9. Tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, kalamata olives and feta, with a drizzle of balsamic/olive oil.

10. Grilled zucchini, summer squash, peppers, mushrooms and onions, tossed with olive oil and salt and pepper.

11. Noodle salad with carrots, cucumber, pea pods and sesame seeds, with a spicy peanut dressing. (Picture is of my zucchini "noodle" version of this last week. It was good!)

12. Steak salad. This is my lunch standby at our local country club when I take Seth there for swimming: Grilled steak over romaine with blue cheese and sliced apples, with balsamic vinaigrette. Yummy.

13. Fruit salad. There is nothing like a summer combo of berries, apricots, peaches and watermelon. Nothing. I have been in fruit heaven for weeks and would stay here forever if possible!

Happy salading! May your summer be filled with ALL your favorite ingredients!

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Wordless Wednesday #8: Love my terracotta fish with wire vine! Thanks, Ma.

Tuesday Table Topics #4: Top pastry

Here's a little something to chew on: Which pastry would be your top choice with your morning coffee?

Hmm. This one requires a little thought, but not a lot... I have a particular weakness for all things frangipane; now, the traditional form is made from almonds, which are fine. I happen to prefer hazelnuts, but you probably could have guessed that, eh? Don't know when I acquired that little fatty vice (probably college or thereabouts), but it is well and truly embedded in my preferences. Give me a little ground hazelnuts, butter, sugar and eggs and, if you must, throw a little pastry around it. The pastry can come in many shapes, but I will probably look for the one that has the most heavenly goo in it, and that's usually a pretzel. Pinwheels are fine, but there's all that pastry space out there, plain and unadulterated... Pretzels have nooks and crannies that will hopefully be full of frangipane!

The photo above came from a lovely food blog called the home baker. How impressive is that--homemade danish! I could wake up to that on occasion! I looked high and low all over ye olde internet and couldn't find a single decent image of my beloved frangipane pretzel--it made me think maybe the only place that makes those is our local deli, Merchants... and I should go down and take a picture for you, so that you can invision the deliciousness of which I speak... I can't even remember the last time I had one, which is pretty sad. Pastry and my morning coffee don't often meet up anymore... maybe it's time to do something about that.

(Yes, Kim, I really did mean it. I need some kind of nutritional reset button, now! Peach cobbler is gone, but apricot must surely follow?)

Additional tidbit... did you know the plumeria flower, of which I am particularly fond, has the proper name of frangipani? How clever is that? Well, not very. But quite handy for me when I need to remember: favorite flower? Frangipani. Favorite pastry? Frangipane. Helpful, no? Tuck that away in your memory banks, would you?!

Inhale. Aloha.