Peachy Wine

     After several days away from home and in the wild, a weekend back in the civilized world had us appreciating the finer things in life: air conditioning, electricity and indoor plumbing. Well perhaps they are not finer in the true sense of the word but they are conveniences not to be taken for granted. A glass of this wonderful wine at the end of a leisurely Sunday was most welcome and sublimely delightful. And it was a funny coincidence that St. James Winery is located only a few miles from our primitive campsite of the previous week.

Water Milfoil

    
 When we saw this fascinating vegetation on the floor of the Little Piney River at Lane Springs, we called it seaweed, for lack of a proper title. The ropey stems undulated in the clear current and the feathery leaves had the appearance of some kind of pine or fir. A little research proved it to be Water Milfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum), a plant that is native to the cool water of these limestone regions. A lesson learned (and a post tagged garden, although it was not my garden.)

Morning on the Little Piney River

     Early morning fog on an Ozark stream is eerily beautiful. Images rise out of the haze that rolls silently over the surface of the water (seemingly so still at this time of day but the current never really slows at all). This tree limb which has been submerged for a long time as evidenced by its smooth white surface, appears alive as its spector reaches out of the water and fog.

But soon enough the sun climbs above the tree tops and welcoming rays beam through the canopy of leaves. The increasing warmth chases the fog away and another brilliant summer day has arrived.

During this period of awakening, a bold little fellow and his family have joined us for breakfast (or perhaps more correctly, we have joined him - it is, after all, his home - we are the visitors). In any case, we enjoy his wary company and the antics of his brood.

Cool Fun in the Hot Summer (on the Little Piney River)

     A few days spent on the Little Piney River were filled with brilliant sunlight and sparkling water - an exhilarating outdoor experience. The spring-fed river was delightfully cool in contrast to the hot summer days. The mornings were spent in the dark shadows and deeper pools while pole fishing for trout and bluegill, but afternoons were filled with floating and water play.

 A rock skipping contest requires a good flat rock and perfect execution.

Beach ball volley in the round (or would it be square?)

Off on a float down the river

Cookies-n-Cream Horse

     Cherokee is one of our favorite horses at the stable. He is friendly and gentle, and is always willing to pose for the camera.  The little girls and I have decided that his unique coloring can only be described as "cookies-n-cream". At a recent visit, it was sad to see that he had a large scar above his nose - apparently the herd had a quarrel and Cherokee got shoved into a barbed wire fence. Thankfully he is healing nicely.

Hello Kitty Cake

     Little Miss Molly seemed quite interested in her birthday cake but finicky eater that she is, commercial cat food and an occasional piece of chicken are all that really appeals to her. (We had a cat once who adored cookies, especially oatmeal!) Anyway the humans at her birthday dinner appreciated the adorable cake - the layer that was frosted and decorated, and the layer that was only frosted. Simple and fun!

Caladiums

     A caladium by itself is interesting but not too pretty. Caladiums planted en masse or with other plants are another story. The tale here is a cool shade garden that is vibrant with color - from the pink flowers of the impatiens and the white and red leaves of the nearby caladiums, which have almost a stained-glass look because of the striking veins and bold hues.

Shirley Temple Dotted Dress and Accessories

     I love Shirley Temple movies, especially the earliest ones. So when Rissy was little, I wanted to make her a dress that resembled a Shirley oufit. I found a pattern, a dark red cotton fabric with tiny cream polkadots and a coordinating cream fabric with a dark red floral print. Complete with Peter Pan collar, empire waist and tiny sash tie, the dress was ready for Rissy's third birthday; it even had a matching small purse and an old-fashioned pocket doll. I think I was more thrilled than the birthday girl - it was fun to make and fun to see her wear! 

Golfcart Escape

     Pop, the golfer, thoroughly enjoyed this personalized Father's Day card. I took a stock image and inserted playful photos of Pop's faithful and devoted companions, Nikki and Miss Molly. Since the two are partners in crime anyway, they were perfect foils for operating the runaway golf cart. In this portayal, the husky, as usual, thinks he is in charge but it is the feline with a guileless grin who contrives the entire caper.

Cupcake Masquerade: Corn on the Cob

     The recent cover of a popular women's magazine featured these "corny" cupcakes. I was immediately smitten. When a chance visit to local bulk candy store presented the opportunity to buy yellow and white jelly beans, the plan was set in motion. Because of the instense heat of the last few days, the cupcakes were baked the night before serving. White buttercream frosting and jellybeans were added the next day, as were corn handles. I assembled two "cobs" for presentation and placed only three jelly beans atop each of the remaining cakes, for practical and for health reasons. The pineapple and coconut flavors of the candy were summery and delightful with the chocolate cake, and were a nice surprise when served on Independence Day instead of the usual patriotic colored dessert (the salad was adorned with a flag instead!)

Starry Starry Nights Necklace

     Simple stars hang not from the sky but from a sterling silver chain and earwires. Cool and perfect for summer, the white howlite beads, which have a faint grey veining, are striking in their simplicity and the symmetrical arrangement emphasizes that simplicity. Funny that in the firmament there is no symmetry, at least not that humankind can fathom, but the art of jewelry making allows some control of our own little stars.

Testament to the Scents of Summer

     A book that appeals to more than just the sense of smell, The Scented House is one of my summer favorites. Although the theme of the entire book is decorating, crafting and cooking with natural aromatics, the photography and the projects are beautiful and even elegant, which is rather unexpected. The use of herbs, spices and flowers usually evokes a primitive perspective but these creations have a delightfully sophisticated edge. Traditional and natural materials are always appealling and spur a basic instinct to create.

Cucumber Lessons - Anticipation and Trust

     Tending to the gardens this morning, I was struck by two images among the cucumber vines. They are thriving after a somewhat slow start because of a cool, wet June, but with the advent of July and several days of simmering sun, all the garden plants are extremely vigorous. The cucumber flowers are numerous and brilliant, boding an abundant harvest. (I like nothing better than to pick a  fresh tomato, a cucumber and some basil or dill in the morning to pack for my noon lunch at work).

     The vines are planted against the southeast wall of the garage with stakes and twine for support, and usually reach all the way to the roof by season's end. In this configuration, they are easy to maintain and harvest. Tendrils curl and reach for any support, and sometimes in searching will grasp each other. Fragile at first, they soon become strong and sturdy.

Strawberry Chocolate Chip Scones

     Two quarts of strawberries have served us well. Some were used in the birthday cupcakes (described in a previous post), some in fruit smoothies and some in strawberry margaritas. The last few were chopped up and added, with some semi-sweet chocolate chips, to a soft buttery dough and placed on a floured work surface.

After rolling out the lovely colored dough to about an inch thick, I cut it into squares and then into triangles, similar to the traditional shape of scones. (I never understood why scones, invented by the Scottish and so popular in the British Isles and elsewhere, are virtually ignored in the United States.)

 Baking in a hot oven produces a lightly brown crust with a light interior. The fresh strawberries are bursting with flavor and the chocolate adds a slight sweetness. Altogether a tasty breakfast served with milk (my imperative) or hot coffee, and a few are always saved for a superb snack or even dessert in the evening.

Ol' Blue Eye Brown Eye

     Nikki is glad the bottle rockets and firecrackers are used up and swept away. Not his favorite holiday, he spent most of the evening quivering in the shower. So today he is tired and content to nap on the back porch step, where he can open an eye occasionally to survey the yard and gardens for intruding birds, squirrels and rabbits. (The step is also a sort of launching pad because, with his bad legs, it is easier for him to rise quickly from there rather than from lying prone on the ground.) The question is, however, which eye to use - the blue one or the brown one?

Fourth of July Thoughts and Things

     The Fourth of July is loud - fireworks and crowds and barbecues. Because I am by nature, a very quiet person, I can enjoy the holiday by spending time with children and others who get great joy from the festivities and because, as my older sister reminded me recently, we have such wonderful memories of the day from childhood. Also there is always a view to the end or at least the next morning - which dawns quiet and peaceful. Patriotic decorations are fun, too, such as the hand painted and assembled Welcome sign on the front porch above and the china cabinet shelf display below which boasts a furry version of Uncle Sam and a couple of primitive containers with flag motifs.  

And lastly the dining table centerpiece - a star-wrapped hurricane candle that rests on a quilted placemat (also replete with stars). All are small efforts to celebrate our sweet land of liberty!

Independence Day and a Patriot

     On this day in our country we celebrate freedom with fireworks and flags and food. The hardwon fight that inspired the holiday is unfathomable to most Americans as we live in our comfortable twenty-first century lives. We know that soldiers fought and suffered but to understand, at least a little, the sacrifice of their families, one should watch the film, The Patriot. A widowed father, who disdains violence, is compelled to act when his home is threatened and his sons are slain. The story draws the viewer into the life and times, and the reasons for tearful rejoicing.

Jennie Long Hamilton - A Chapter in the Long Family History

     This old photograph was found with a few others in a box of yarn and embroidery floss given to me by my grandmother many years ago. I was told that the lady was "Aunt Jen" and the little boy was her son, "Roderick". It wasn't until decades later when I rediscovered the photo that I was able to really identify the subjects. Clara J. Long, born in 1870 in West Boylston, Massachusetts, was my great-grandmother's younger sister. She was called Jennie and at the age of twenty-three (sometime after the family had moved to Detroit, Michigan) she married Henry H. Hamilton, and they had a son, Roderick. However, the child supposedly died young and according to subsequent census listings, Jennie and Henry were divorced. Jennie died many years later in the care of a neice, elderly and suffering from dementia.

      No other records exist on Jennie - the book is closed on her sad life. But she and Roderick will not be forgotten as long as this haunting image remains.

Cool White on a Hot Day

     The local meteorologists have forecast a heat warning for today and sure enough, at mid afternoon, the thermometer has reached ninety-seven degrees and continues to rise. Those plants in my garden where the sun can reach have wilted in the heat but the shady areas are thriving. The hydrangea blossoms have recovered nicely from the recent multiple beatings of heavy rain, and the impatiens and hostas are flourishing because of the excess moisture. The use of multiple white blooms conveys an image of coolness and as a bonus they continue to be visible in the darkness of late evening.