wednesdays words and wanderings and wonderings

Todd and I spent this past weekend in Cleveland with our two year old grandson while his parents went to an out-of-town wedding. We had a blast with our little non-stop bundle of energy!

• Our little guy loves to help Grandpa cut the grass and when he got bored with that, he and Didi picked up sticks to put on the stick pile. 
• My boss at the farmer's market sent some sunflowers to Cleveland for my little buddy and me to plant. He made sure they got plenty of water and he also discovered the joy of drinking water out of the hose.
• It was hot and that little swimming pool sure got a lot of use. I remember those summertime days playing in the backyard pool filled with water fresh out of the hose. It was so cold but that didn't stop me back in the day and it didn't stop Little Grandson from jumping in and making the biggest splashes those little legs could muster. I put my feet in the pool and it felt much colder than I remembered!
• French toast for breakfast. Little man wasn't too interested in eating so Mr. Rhinoceros encouraged him along.

The Pout-Pout Fish. I lost count of the number of times my little guy brought it to me to read. Having him sit on my lap and settle in to hear his new favorite book warmed my heart. This was our time and there was nothing more important than this moment.

Little people bring big blessings and we are so very blessed. 

yard decor

Garden/yard ornaments add charm and curiosity to any home, giving its owners an opportunity to make a personal statement. It's an interesting way to decorate a home or garden, letting imaginations run wild. 

This grouping of ephemera is on a busy road in Westlake, OH. People driving past may not notice it, but pedestrians might. This pedestrian did. It's a peaceful spot as the world rushes by. What message is the owner of this quirky display trying to convey? I think they're collectors of eclectic "stuff". The winged creatures, the iron gate, the "Watch Your Step" sign (perhaps from an old store) decorate a shady spot where grass won't grow. 

The cross leaning on the rock says it all, "Peace to all who enter."

Wishing you peace as the last few days of July tick away and the month of August begins.

the friday feed: just peachy

Ah, summertime—the season of sun-kissed days and ripe, juicy peaches. From May to late September, it’s prime peach-picking time across America and July and August are when peaches shine brightest.

Peaches in white wine, pesche al vino bianco, is a quintessential summertime southern Italian dessert, a rite of summer in many households. Good peaches, a nice, dry white wine, and a little bit of time create a beverage reminiscent of sangria. When the summer produce is fresh and bountiful, Italians know how to be resourceful. And of course, Italians know their way around a good bottle of vino.

Right now at the farm, we are selling South Carolina peaches. They are close to the cash register and smell so good! Our construction project is getting close to being finished. Amidst the mayhem of trying to remember where things are, scraping food scraps into the trash can, washing dishes by hand, and vacuuming dust every day, a glass of wine at the end of the day makes the shoulders relax. I remembered reading an article about Italians drinking pesche al vino bianco, so I bought a few peaches to take me away to la dolce vita. 

That taste of a chilled peach-flavored wine in the heat of summer is sooooo good. You can also spoon those wine-soaked peaches over a bowl of vanilla ice cream. A perfect end-of-meal-summer dessert. An after thought...maybe try peaches with rosé for a pretty peachy pink drink.

half and half

On a trip downtown to pick up some light fixtures, the river fountains were putting on their show as I crossed over the Webster Street bridge. And of course I took a quick side trip to watch and take some photos. I stood under one of the sprays taking a picture of its arc into the water. Later on when looking at the photo on my computer, it looked like the photo was half blurry, half clear. The wind had blown the mist to the left, creating a soft haze. It's fun when a photograph gives you a little surprise.

 

wednesday's words and wanderings and wonderings

The farmer’s market where I work has been around for 55 years. It started out as a roadside stand on a country road where Mr. Treadway put vegetables out on a table and had an honor system where people paid for any produce they took. As his children grew, it was their job to sit at the table, help the customers, and take care of the money. Today, the money system is still on the “old school” side. There is the option of writing the prices with pen and paper and then tallying with either your brain or a calculator. We can also use an iPad that totals the purchases and then run the credit card transactions through that. For a number of years, I used the old school pen and paper and calculated like I was taking a math test. This year I have gone to the iPad for efficiency. But I do count back the change myself using the counting up method. This past week a lot of the older customers have commented about me knowing the "right way" to count change. 

I often hear from people in my generation and above that “kids these days” do not put emphasis on learning valuable life skills such as balancing a checkbook, living within a budget, or even counting back change. Counting change is a simple math concept. You pay cash for a purchase, the cashier hands you back the correct change, right? In our digital world, “plastic” has replaced cash for many consumers. While the “counting change” concept is used less and less in the everyday market place, it is still a much needed life skill for all. From a first job at McDonald’s  to the concession stand at the football game, kids need to make correct change. Some of the first lessons in change making are taught at the elementary level, however without practice this skill often fades. Nowadays people rely on the cash register to tell them how much change to give back. (The iPad we use ast the farm doesn't tell us how much change to give back).

The digital invasion has replaced many “older” life skills. I do marvel at the skills these young whippersnappers have with their computers and phones. I have had to adapt to technology while my kids were born into the digital era and technology has always been a part of their lives. I am amazed what they can accomplish with their devices but I think I have amazed a few young people what I can accomplish with my not-so-techy brain.

pretty flowers

Okra flowers are so pretty with their pale yellow petals and deep red center...

And so are the weeds with their white petals and dark red centers that grow around them.

monday's mulling: livin' or existin'

The difference between just existing and living is how you feel afterward. Living and existing are two different states of being. 

Living means to be alive and actively experiencing life. It involves embracing new experiences, taking risks, and pursuing your passions. 

Existing, on the other hand, means to simply be present and going through the motions of life without any real purpose or fulfillment, feeling stuck in a rut and unable to break free. 

Living is about making the most out of every moment and finding joy in the little things. It’s about taking control of your life and doing what makes you happy.

Existing, on the other hand, is a passive way of living that often leads to boredom, dissatisfaction, and regret .

It's important to understand the distinction between living and existing because it can help you lead a more fulfilling life.

However, everyone's definition of living and existing may differ. What's important is to find what makes you happy and fulfilled, and pursue it with passion and purpose. 

smile!

A lucky photo op while walking through Lincoln Park Commons ~ 

“If you smile when you see a butterfly, you have happiness in your soul.”  

~ Diana Cooper

clever

Seen in the parking lot at the farm. The little lady who drives this car is a regular. I used to take photos of clever license plates frequently but have backed off from doing that. This one made me smile.

the friday feed: tomato ricotta tart

The tomato is one of summer's greatest gifts. When it comes to fresh summer tomatoes, there’s a lot to love. There's the range of bright colors - yellow, red, orange, and green. Then, there’s the sheer volume of varieties; you might turn up your nose to a beefsteak but find the sweet pop of a grape tomato irresistible. Of course, the health benefits are not to be overlooked. Tomatoes are rich in Vitamins C, E, and K, as well as in potassium and fiber. Beautiful, healthy, low-calorie, and versatile, tomatoes are delicious served in any number of ways. My very favorite way to eat tomatoes is quick and simple - sliced with a sprinkle of salt. 

After the unending barrage of news about the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, I just needed to find a happy place and one of my happy places is in my kitchen (right now the makeshift kitchen in my dining room, but hey, it works!), cooking something tasty and with a little pizzazz. Tomatoes are simple but when you combine them with puff pastry and a mixture of yummy cheeses into a tomato tart, you end up with pizzazzy  deliciousness. And it is pretty, too.

Tomato Ricotta Tart 

Ingredients 

1 cup full fat ricotta (drained if very wet)
1/4 cup mascarpone (I couldn't find mascarpone so used creme fraiche. Sour cream would work, too)
3/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 cup whole milk yogurt
1 egg, beaten
1 clove of garlic, grated
1/4 cup chopped basil
1/2 tsp salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 - 3 sliced tomatoes
Salt and pepper
fresh basil leaves
1 package pre-made puff pastry (thawed out if frozen)

Preheat oven to 400F/200C
In a medium bowl whisk together ricotta, mascarpone, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (I put all the Parm in the ricotta mixture), and 1/4 c. chopped basil.
Cut the tomatoes into 1/4 inch slices. If using cherry tomatoes, cut in half.
Lay out the pastry onto a baking sheet. Using a sharp knife score a line around the rim, about a 1/2 inch in from the edge. Fold and pinch  the pastry into a crust.
Spread the cheese mixture onto the pastry, within the scored rim. Artfully arrange the tomatoes and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Scatter remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan on top.
Place in pre-heated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. The cheese and crust should be golden.

Take out of oven and let rest at least 20 minutes. It’s best at room temperature, which gives the cheese a chance to set. If you’d like, scatter some fresh herbs on top before serving.

If you noticed my tomato tart cookie sheet above, it looks just like this 😁. It's an old faithful, a wedding present coming up on 44 years. I'm looking at new cookie sheets but won't get rid of my well-loved companions. Time to repurpose them into an activity tray using letter magnets for my grandsons to build words or maybe a shoe tray by the back door or a newly decorated serving tray. 

wednesday's words and wanderings and wonderings

A couple of favorite spots this week...A few days ago my friend and I took a 16 mile early morning bike ride from The Old Town Reserve just north of Xenia to Yellow Springs along the Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail. She is having knee replacement surgery in September, still wants to exercise, and bike riding is one of the least painful forms of exercise for her.

The Old Town Reserve has an Ohio Historical Marker, the birthplace of Tecumseh, a Shawnee chief and warrior who promoted resistance to the expansion of the United States onto Native American lands.

This trail is part of the Little Miami Scenic Trail and crosses creeks and the Little Miami River. This photo is from last fall. 

When we arrived in Yellow Springs, we stopped at Emporium Coffee for a little shot of energy for our ride back. My drink, recommended by the barista, was an iced latte with oat milk and a little bit of lavender syrup...very refreshing. Yellow Springs is a fun, artsy, hippy town. We walked a few blocks around town and went into The Ohio Silver Company. My friend bought a bangle bracelet to add to the collection of bracelets she always wears. Her bracelets jingle as she walks along. It's her signature wear. We're going to ride this path again this weekend. Could be another bracelet purchase 😁

I volunteer for Fiver Rivers MetroParks to do garden maintenance mainly at the downtown MetroParks. I worked at RiverScape weeding and deadheading flowers. I was trimming back lavender and with every snip, the scent wafted through the air on a beautiful, sunny day. Very calming. A bonus was watching the five river fountains arc over the Great Miami River.

After working at RiverScape, I made a stop at my favorite grocery store, Dorothy Lane Market. A display of Dad's Root Beer had been set up by the carts and I smiled as soon as I saw it. My dad loved Dad's Root Beer and he made the best root beer floats. His root beer floats were special treats on the weekend. He put a scoop of vanilla ice cream in each glass and then poured the root beer over the ice cream where it foamed up but didn't spill over the rim. He was a root beer float showman. I can't wait to continue the tradition and make root beer floats with Dad's Root Beer for my little grandsons. Need to practice that pour!

choices

 Just some food for thought for a Tuesday in the middle of July.

monday's mulling: wow

In his Sunday Five post, David, the author of The Adventures of Travel Penguin, asked, "When you are seeking happiness, what do you do?"

My answer, "Take walks, ride bikes, listen to music, cook."

Saturday's assassination attempt on Donald Trump turned the world upside down and Sunday morning it was news, news, news on every channel. This incident emphasized how truly ugly politics has become. I am not looking forward to these months leading to the presidential election. I don't like either candidate. I am worried about the future of our country.

So to get out of this funk, walking, music, and cooking helped to get my mind on a more positive path. I took my son's dog for a long walk and realized how much I miss the daily walks with my dogs. Slow walks that made me take notice of little things, deep breaths of fresh air, just slowing life down for a moment in time. Music...I painted some walls in our construction project (it should be finished in a month!) and while painting Spotify played lots of tunes. I sang, too. Sound bounces around on bare walls and I sounded pretty good! And then cooking. I had a bunch of tomatoes - red ones, yellow ones, and mini heirloom tomatoes - and made a tomato tart. It was pretty and it was really good. Puff pastry, a cheese base with ricotta, creme fraiche, yogurt, Parmesan, and fresh basil, covered artfully with the tomato slices, as the recipe suggested. Guess what the story will be for The Friday Feed? 🍅

The big story, one over which I have no control, was calmed by little stories, those that bring happiness. The big story will be around for a long, long time as agencies try to figure out what the hell happened and the news people bombard us with their non-stop stories. Don't know how many tomato tarts I'll be making but there will be lots of music and lots of walks. 

 

sunsets

"There's a sunrise and a sunset every single day, and they're free. Don't miss so many of them."

~ Jo Walton

coneflowers

Coneflowers cast a spell upon my gardening soul. Their daisy-like flowers, bright colors, long blooming time, and ease of care make them the workhorse of my summer and fall wildlife garden. They are beautiful and dependable, thrive in full sun and heat, have virtually no pest problems and can take less water than most other perennials. And their colorful cone centers...a complex of interwoven spirals that leave me mesmerized. Their nectar-rich centers entice butterflies and bees to flock to them and the seed heads bring goldfinches to the garden. Plus their sturdy stems make for nice cut flowers. Yes, I am crazy in love with coneflowers!

2 bee or not 2 bee?

the friday feed: veggies galore!

My very favorite grocery store has a marvelous salad bar. One day around lunchtime I was very hungry and had to go to the store for some dinner shopping, got what I needed for dinner and then walked past the salad bar. This gorgeous salad named the Garlic Expressions Salad screamed out, "You know this is what you want for lunch!" It's made from bunch of chopped up veggies with the Garlic Expressions dressing on it and it did make a delicious lunch. 

"Hmmmm, I can make this."

And I did.

All ingredients purchased at the farmers' market: cucumbers, cabbage, red onion, colorful peppers, tomatoes, jalapeños, fresh corn (cut off the cob). green beans (steamed), zucchini, and the Garlic Expressions salad dressing. So tasty, so refreshing. Eat your veggies!

creature of habit

Creature of habit - someone one who wants to do the same things in the same way.

There's a comfort zone, a predictability in having routines. Routines create structure and bring order to a day. They bring calm and reduce anxiety. But every once in a while the routine gets shaken up.

There's a near by road that's closed for a few months. It's getting new sidewalks, new curbs, a total repaving. Right now the east bound lane is open, westbound is closed to traffic. This is the road that I take to go to the chiropractor, to go to Costco, to go wherever when I need to go west. And this is the road that I take when coming home from all those places. Even though the westbound lane has been closed for a month and who do you think is still trying to take that way home? I shake my head as soon as I make the turn to go the usual way, drive past the construction, through a neighborhood that takes me on a trip down Memory Lane. My first viola teacher, Mrs. Garber, lived in this neighborhood, my sister's high school sweetheart and now husband of 40 years lived in in this area, high school friends and high school parties, Marinole swimming pool, my kids had friends who lived here. This little change of routine has been a nice reminder that there are always different ways to do things, new things to see, and in this case it's brought back some good memories.

christmas in july...oy

You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch...

Yes, a Christmas display on July 8. Christmas is 170 days away. What about Labor Day, opening games for football season, Halloween, Thanksgiving? Nothing like starting something way ahead of time.

My reason for going to the card shop...

My nephew turns 30 this week. To commemorate this monumental step into a new decade, I visited the  nearest card shop to buy the perfect 30th birthday card for him, one that has a great big 3-0 on it.

There were none to be found. None. 

I walked down every aisle looking for the 30th birthday section, the cashier checked every place she thought one would be, no luck. Long story short, I went to two other card stores and no 30-specific cards. Lots of cards for birthdays for years 1-13 and 40-100 but 30 was nowhere to be found, Weird.

I did find a nephew card so I'll add some hand made 30s, a heartfelt message, put a happy birthday stamp on the envelope, and post it tomorrow. No time to feel Grinchy about this celebration!

monday's mulling: handwritten thank you notes

Three thank you notes in one week…What a treat!

Nowadays thank you cards may not be as necessary or commonplace as they were in the pre-internet times but a handwritten note of thanks will always be appreciated.

When I get a handwritten letter, I'm excited to open it. The art of the postage stamp, the feel of the paper, the graphic quirks of a friend's handwriting. There is simply nothing as personal as a handwritten note. It's a treasure in a sealed packet. It”s a reminder of someone just around the corner or someone far away.

Writing a thank you note is more than good manners. It’s an opportunity to connect to the people in our lives in a meaningful way. In an increasingly informal digital world, continuing to pull out pen and paper is a way to distinguish yourself. A handwritten thank-you note sends the message that you care enough to invest yourself personally in acknowledging another.

Would I ever send a digital thank-you for a gift I was given or for a lovely 4th of July party? No way. It just isn't enough—not personal enough, not weighty enough. I sent my friend a text for her amazing 4th of July party but I am sending a thank you note to her, too. You can't hold digital thanks in your hands the way you can hold a note. When was the last time you printed out an e-card? Right. Email and texts are read and deleted. A mailed note is seen again and again on a desk or counter. Would you rather your thanks be remembered or deleted? Send a little joy someone’s way.

what's the buzz?

 Looks like this "bee"-utiful flower is the place to "bee!" 🐝 🌻

the friday feed: 5 bags of tortilla chips

The farm, friends, fireworks, food, and Fritos...that's what filled my Fourth.

From 9:00 until 2:00 I worked at the farmers market with non-stop customers buying  mainly sweet corn, onions, tomatoes, and bouquets of flowers for their Fourth of July picnics. We had twelve bags of corn, each filled with five dozen ears of corn, and in two hours eight bags of corn had been emptied. Oh, sweet corn...what a taste of summer! Regardless of how you cook your corn, all it needs is butter and salt, and you're off to summertime bliss.

Now for food, friends, fireworks, and Fritos. A dear friend moved into a new home and she invited us over for a picnic and fireworks. She asked me to bring an appetizer. Since I was working, I wanted to make something simple but fun and tasty. The good ole seven layer taco dip that was so popular in the '80s was my contribution. I didn't have time to go to the grocery store so Todd got the list and the task to buy the  ingredients: refried beans, sour cream, cream cheese, black olives, shredded cheddar, and tortilla chips.

Todd doesn't go to the grocery store very often but when he does he loves to look around and he finds bargains. Well, he found a bargain. Buy two bags of tortilla chips and get three FREE. Five bags of tortilla chips. 

Deep breath. "What are we going to do with five bags of tortilla chips?"

"They're not the big party size bags, they're the smaller ones. We can give some to the kids." (Three of our four kids live out of town. Do you think a bag of chips would be a sufficient bribe to get them to drive 3+ hours for a visit? 🤣).

We took two bags to the gathering and by the end of the evening only a few scoops of dip and a handful of chips remained. Two down, three to go...

 

a grand ole flag

• “When Freedom from her mountain height / Unfurled her standard to the air / She tore the azure robe of night / And set the star of glory there.”  Joseph Rodman Drake, “The American Flag”
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