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.

Birthday Cupcake Tower

     Mom requested a quiet, no frills celebration for her eighty-third birthday, so the family stopped by in intervals throughout the afternoon. The visits were less chaotic and more personal than a large party and Mom was able to give her full attention to each small group. The gifts were modest but thoughtful and she loved, as always, the myriad of sentimental, funny, or handmade cards.

     Because of the reserved nature of the day, I thought that simple cupcakes would be appropriate. However I took the liberty of making those cupcakes extra special. After baking and cooling, a small cone was sliced out of the middle of the little yellow cakes, and a topped fresh strawberry dropped into the hollow. Vanilla icing was piped atop each before placing on a cupcake tower. Red candles were placed to match the red paper baking cups and a spray of white flowers in the center completed the arrangement. On second thought, perhaps the smile did.

Turquoise and Bone Set

   Turquoise chips and round bone beads were combined for this simple, Navajo-style necklace and earring set. I designed it to match a similar colored shirt worn with white shorts. The cool and casual effect is perfect for a hot summer day.

Sweet Potato, Corn and Sausage Skillet

     Sweet potatoes in the pantry plus Andouille sausage in the freezer equalled a tasty skillet dinner. While the potatoes baked in the microwave, I sauteed onion, celery, garlic and sliced sausage in a skillet. After peeling and cubing, the potatoes were added to the pan, along with corn and Cajun spices. Simmering just long enough to heat through and blend the flavors took only minutes, so dinner was ready in short order, which was a good thing because the aroma was enticing.

The entree was served in bowls with maple syrup ready to drizzle and lightly sweeten to each diner's taste.