juneteenth {june 20, 2022}

Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. On June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday. 

Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas, a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society.

Paul Laurence is one of Dayton's "favorite sons." He was born on June 27, 1872 to Joshua and Matilda Dunbar, two formerly enslaved people from Kentucky. He became one of the first influential Black poets in American literature. Dunbar’s literary body is regarded as an impressive representation of Black life in turn-of-the-century America. In The Strength of Gideon (1900), he continued to recount Black life both before and after slavery. Reviewers at the time favored his pre-emancipation stories full of humor and sentiment, while ignoring more volatile accounts of abuse and injustice. More recently these latter stories have gained greater recognition from critics eager to substantiate Dunbar’s opposition to racism.

Paul Laurence Dunbar's name is widely recognized around Dayton with roads and schools named after him. His father served in the Civil War and is buried at the Dayton National Cemetery. Paul Laurence Dunbar is buried on the other side of town in the beautiful Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum. He is also recognized at RiverScape Metro Park at the Paul Laurence Dunbar Walk where some of his poems are placed in the sidewalk landings as you walk down to the Great Miami River.

father's day {june 19, 2022}

Dads and their kids...Celebrating four very special dads

My dad who taught me the importance of giving my best effort, listening first before reacting, attention to detail, treating everyone with respect, appreciating good food and fun food, enjoying life and the good stuff. He died 20 years ago...way too young when he left this earth.

My father-in-law who died two years ago at the age of 97. He served in the Pacific theater in WWII and became a teacher and home remodeler after his military service. His fortes: attention to detail, strong faith to lead his life, love and pride in his family, excellent golfer, didn't mince words. You knew right where you stood with him.

T...my husband of almost 42 years and dad to our gang of 4. Such a people person, witty,  brilliant, hard working, long career in the mortgage banking business, well respected because he gives others respect and values people. 

My son, my youngest child, who yesterday joined the fatherhood fraternity upon the birth of his son. My baby has a baby. And like the men before him, he will be a most excellent dad.

A Successful Man

"That man is a success - 

who has lived well,

laughed often and loved much;

who has gained the respect of intelligent men

and the love of children;

who has filled his niche

and accomplished his task;

who leaves the world

better than he found it;

who has never lacked the appreciation of earth's beauty

or failed to express it;

who looked for the best in others

and gave the best he had." 

~ Author Unknown

didi {june 18, 2022}

“Then, wham! My first grandchild was born... I was jolted, blindsided by a wallop of loving more intense than anything I could remember or had ever imagined.” 

~ Lesley Stahl, Becoming Grandma: The Joys and Science of the New Grandparenting

Well, well, well...a day that I've been looking forward to. I am a grandma. Just call me Didi. I got to hold my little guy when he was 10 hours old. He's perfect. I love him so much. 

My baby and his baby.

garlic scape pesto {june 17, 2022}

What are garlic scapes? Garlic scapes are the tender stem and flower bud of a hardneck garlic plant. (Hardneck garlic is the kind of garlic that typically grows in Canada and the northeastern U.S.) Scapes first grow straight out of the garlic bulb, then coil. When harvested, they look like long, curly green beans.

Garlic is one of the few plant with two harvests: garlic scapes are harvested in the late spring and early summer, and then the bulbs are harvested later in the summer. Harvesting the scapes is an integral part of garlic farming. If the scapes aren’t cut off, the plant expends its energy trying to grow its stem and flower, leaving the bulb small and flavorless. So, by eating garlic scapes, you’re doing your part in the garlic growing cycle.

I bought some garlic scapes at my favorite farmer’s market and used some  in a couple vegetable side dishes. Quite a few were left and now that food prices are rising, I am making a very conscious effort not to let anything go to waste. So what to do with the rest of these scapes? Garlic scape pesto.

The ingredient are straightforward except for the substitution of sunflower seeds for pine nuts. Sunflower seeds are a fraction of the cost of pine nuts. If you’re serving right away, add the basil and lemon juice. If not, hold back on the basil, otherwise the pesto will lose its vibrant color.

GARLIC SCAPE PESTO  (New York Times)

1 c. garlic scapes, sliced crosswise (about 10 - 12 scapes)

1/4 c. sunflower seeds

1/2 c. extra virgin olive oil

1/4 c. Parmesan cheese

1/2 c. basil leaves

Juice of one lemon

Blanch the garlic scapes for one minute, strain, and run under cold water.

Place the garlic scapes in a food processor and pulse for 30 seconds.

Add the sunflower seeds and pulse for 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Add the olive oil and process for 15 seconds.

Add the Parm and pulse until the ingredient are combined.

Add the basil and lemon juice. Process until reaching the desired consistency. 

Add salt to taste and serve immediately.

heat wave {june 16, 2022}

Yeeee doggies, it is hot outside. 

Excessive heat warning with heat index values up to 107°.

T and I took a 2+ mile walk. We stayed in the shade as much as possible, got a little toasty, and guzzled a couple glasses of water when we got back to the house. It did feel good to get out in the fresh air and sunshine and it felt good to get back in the air conditioning.

Storms on Monday night caused power outages. Thankfully our neighborhood kept its power but thousands and thousands of houses are without. In addition to the storm damage power outages, the power company has declared an emergency and has turned the power off to some neighborhoods to avoid over-stressing the grid. A controlled outage they call it. The goal is to have all power restored by Thursday night. I went to the dry cleaner today to pick up some clothes but it was closed due to the power outage. Stopped by the grocery store and it was dark, just a few lights on. Customers could not purchase meat or dairy. The cash registers worked, skeleton staff was there, quite a few wine and beer purchases. It was a bit eerie pull into an empty parking lot and then to walk into this dark, very quiet big store at a time it would be bustling with people shopping for their dinner prep.

It's still spring but sure feels like the dog days of summer.

wordy wednesday...hooning {june 15, 2022}

Fast & Furious is a series of action films that are largely concerned with illegal street racing and heists. Lots of inexperienced people like to emulate the actions in these films.

Hooning, illegal street racing and exhibition driving are a problem across the entire country. This driving behavior increased during the COVID shutdown when city streets were empty. Now law enforcement agencies are cracking down on illegal driving practices. 

Hooning: a term used to describe reckless driving behaviors like speeding, racing, doughnuts and burnouts that often take place on public streets and in private parking lots without the owners' permission. 

Hoon: a person who deliberately drives a vehicle in a reckless or dangerous manner, generally in order to provoke a reaction from onlookers.

Hoonigan: a person who operates a motor vehicle in an aggressive and unorthodox manner, consisting of, but not limited to, drifting, burnouts, donuts as well as acts of automotive aeronautics. One who hoons.

Street racing where one of the vehicles lost control and hit a pole and a parked car. Photo courtesy of the Dayton Daily News

flag day {june 14, 2022}

Flag Day is a celebration of the American flag. It is done as a remembrance of the introduction of the country's first flag on June 14, 1777, as the official American flag by the Continental Congress.

The Continental Congress introduced the American flag at a time when the country was in the middle of the Revolutionary War, and almost every colony had its own flag.

The Declaration of Independence made it absolutely necessary to introduce the universal American flag. On June 14, 1777, Congress made a resolution outlining the purpose of a national flag for 13 colonies.

I'm a cranky hanky panky

I'm a dead square honest Yankee

And I'm mighty proud of that old flag

That flies for Uncle Sam

Though I don't believe in raving

Ev'ry time I see it waving

There's a chill runs up my back

That makes me glad I'm what I am

Here's a land with a million soldiers

That's if we should need 'em

We'll fight for freedom!

Hurrah! Hurrah! For ev'ry Yankee tar

And old G.A.R.

Ev'ry stripe, ev'ry star

Red, white and blue

Hats off to you

Honest, you're a grand old flag ~

"You're a Grand Old Flag," by George M Cohan

🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 

             ✦ Today is also the birthday for the United States Army, June 14, 1775.

 ✦ The Strawberry Supermoon lights up the sky tonight.

 ✦ Two weeks from today is my grandson's projected due date!