Monday - The day was falling when the two foxes met in the pasture, nose to nose, discussing things, the lighter, larger male, and the darker, smaller female. Without knowing, I knew what he was saying: I’ll head to the den to watch the kits. You go on and enjoy an evening out. And off he trotted toward the old blacksmith’s shop where they live beneath the floorboards, while she crossed the creek and angled up and over the hill.
Tuesday - Pen friend letters, two in the same day. There’s nothing quite like that particular ray of sunshine in the mailbox.
Wednesday - The only thing we wanted, with our sniffly noses and scratchy throats, were steaming bowls of chicken noodle soup with an extra amount of garlic, and yes, lemon, sipped slowly, meditatively, from the spoon. Healing for the body and soothing for the soul.
Thursday - Along the gravel road stretched the blooming, brilliant yellow field. Sweet clover, the flower whose scent wrote spring and promise and hope to us all those years ago. Without a word, he stopped, walked right into the sea of blooms, pulled out his pocket knife, cut a bundle, brought it to me, and laid it in my arms.
Friday - At a bend in the Swan River, I meet the bride (our sweet friend-girl) and groom at the private place where they’ll be married come fall. Together, we work. The first of the dahlia plants are tucked into soil. Other wedding flower seeds are scattered across a newly dug bed and covered with earth. The watering system is set up. We say silent prayers for a glorious growing season and many blooms waiting for that special September day.
Moments Lately
Reading Lately
The Comfort Book by Matt Haig.
Mr. Haig, in his delightful British accent, read this book to Maggie Mae and I on our recent road trip. I’m not sure what Maggie’s review is, but I found it comforting indeed. The way he describes preparing and eating a simple slice of peanut butter toast is enough to set the world right, but this was the quote that I had to copy down right away:
“It is easier to learn to be soaked and happy than to learn how to stop the rain.”
If you’ve walked through grief, loss, or a deep valley of the soul — this one, you’ll want to have this one along with you. It’s a book of hope. Imagine how lovely it would be having it sitting on the nightstand, and reading a short entry before switching off the light each night.
Eating Lately
Green Onion Slaw by Bobby Flay via Smitten Kitchen.
I’ll hold while you get your pen and a recipe card. We simply cannot let you go through summer without this slaw. My husband and I enjoyed it on (incredible) pulled brisket tacos (another recipe you can’t go through summer without), but decided then and there that it would be excellent alongside any grilled meat. This recipe makes a large salad, perfect for a crowd. But if you’re not serving a crowd, do as Deb suggests, and store your dressing and veggie mix separately, then dress only the amount you’ll serve, just a few minutes before serving. Go ahead and use green cabbage, if that’s what you have, or double the recipe for an extra large crowd and mix purple and green.
Favorites Lately
Off-grid (refreshingly unexpected for the Bahamas)
Hmm, maybe I’ll weave my own? (You know I already have the barrels…)
Delightful snail mail (and the creativity that comes from helping people cross the street)
On the floor (and wall to wall in Pond House Studio)
I found the lights! (From this post)
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