Heirlooms

The rhythms of becoming an heirloom are rough for some & smooth for others. I thought of this when I picked these heirloom tomatoes at the farmer’s market. When I arrived home, I felt that they deserved a nice rest in the soft lap of my grandmother’s bowl.

We spent our last summer evening appreciating much ~ along with a few heirlooms. As I was sitting in the cool grass with Granny’s bowl in my lap I was reminded of the cycles of life, of the rightness of change, loss & rebirth.

For the first time, I used my Great Grandmother’s paring knife that my cousin Kris sent to me. In her note she said ~ Grandmother Collier peeled a ‘million’ peaches for preserves and for pickling with this paring knife. She always liked a very sharp knife. The best part though ~ the soft and comfortable handle.

Isn’t it amazing how memories can unfold? Thank you Kris ~ I love it & you too!

Hope you’re all having a great weekend!

Exotic & Homegrown

I have the pleasure of tending to my neighbor's vegetable garden for a couple of weeks while they're off to some exotic destination. 

I asked them not to tell us where they were headed to. 

You see, it's just the two of them & adventure is their middle name.

  When they return we will plan a special evening, prepare a special meal in their honor...from their garden, open good wine, and sit on the edges of our seats.  Our kids will even want to join us.

Yes, they take those kinds of adventures.

 

 

Did you think I would go & pick vegetables without my camera?

 

   

Probably the most convincing reason to have a vegetable garden is a homegrown tomato.

  
  Some still green on the vine were too pretty not to pick.    

 All organic so a quick rinse at my garden sink and onto tea towels to dry made prep simple.

 The quintessential summer repast.

Slice thick slices of these red beauties, slather mayonnaise on a crunchy soft roll, & season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper. 

Our friends are fabulous cooks so along with tomatoes there is fresh dill, basil, oregano, and chives.                  It's a quiet summer night at home in the Bluegrass & the air's incredibly still & heavy. 
   Meanwhile, you know who's waiting patiently on the front porch for a breeze & her after-dinner walk.   

Say goodnight Gracie.

"Goodnight Gracie."