In the realm of Nature, there is nothing purposeless, trivial, or unnecessary.
Maimonedes, The Guide for the Perplexed
Tags: Quoting
1955 Buick:
Chevrolet:
1957
1968 Camaro
I’m pretty sure the Walton’s drove this truck –
Ford:
1955
I can’t remember the year (1940-ish?), but how about the beautiful chrome?
1962 Falcon. A friend of mine drove one in high school. Complete with backfires and a muffler that occasionally dragged and threw up wild sparks, hers was much less glam.
Packard:
1932
Ostentatious
Yet, utterly and completely perfect.
1940 Pontiac
Tractors!
Sweet Bunny Love:
Baby Goat
Are you talking to me?
A wee family of mice made from potatoes, carrots, chives, cloves, and beans.
Mark with Segovia the Llama
Ahh, the State Fair. I would love to kiss the person who invented the institution, for there are few activities that I enjoy more. It’s a magical combination of earth, animals, food, and gaiety, all that is important and essential in life in one place. My spirits cannot help but be buoyed and soothed, despite the crowds and lively organized chaos of it all.
Though Willie didn’t make an appearance this year, it was no less splendid for these two urbanites, as there was so much to occupy the hours. First on the list, food, and more specifically deep fried. For it isn’t a true fair experience without the hiss and splatter of hot oil, indeed. We had corn dogs and a giant elephant ear, though it wasn’t THE giant. How people manage that one, I cannot fathom. Then there was a heavenly smoked barbecued sandwich, accompanied by sweet spicy beans and tangy slaw. We topped it all off with cheesy kettle corn and the soothing quiet necessary from over stimulation. People! Cars! Rides! Food! People! Quilts! Crafts! Animals! People!
As usual, 4-H was the highlight for us. There is something very special about these kids. Fearless, patient, proud, and so down to earth, I could talk to them about living on a farm, raising animals, and life in general all day (though I know better – they have work to do!). Which brings me to this last photo. Mark and his sister Suzie (I wish I had a photo of her – she’s got lashes to rival any llama!) are the children of friends we’ve known since first moving to Oregon. They epitomize everything I love about 4-H. They are whip smart, highly interested and educated, and never seem to tire of ignorant city slickers like me asking all kinds of questions, smiling and laughing even, taking everything in stride. Like when Segovia decided during the middle of the obstacle course that it was time to take care of business, number one and two, Mark patiently waited, never ruffling – calm, cool, collected until the job was done. Gotta love that – and the fair!
Tags: Oregon
But what is happiness except the simple harmony between a man and the life he leads?
Albert Camus
Tags: Quoting
Here it is, my friends, quilt number two, aptly named Strawberry Fields.
I am so very, very pleased with the way this turned out. I love the combination of colors – the deep red paired with the acid green is so darn cheery, a sunny country morning in a field of strawberries, not to mention all the cute polka dots. Have I ever shared my love for the polka dot with you? Zowie! It is ever so true. I fretted a bit over the arrangement of the squares, wondering if I should try for random or the highly organized fashion that is the end result. I just don’t think I have that in my genes. I am an ordered person, so I’m glad I did it this way. It’s very pleasing to follow lines of strawberries, dots, and greens. The fact that I got the binding right this time (many thanks to the Connecting Threads tutorial on YouTube) is the juicy sweet strawberry on top!
If you’re wondering, I didn’t use a pattern. I had a particular size of batting left over from my first quilt, so the size was determined. When I looked through my stash, I loved the combination of the mixed greens, polka dots, and strawberries, but it wasn’t nearly enough fabric. So I went to Fabric Depot, samples in hand, and found the right combination to tie it all together. Rather than have the back be entirely polka dotted, I decided to really tie it in with the front, so it’s almost a continuation. I like it!
Speaking of liking, sweet Paris likes it too, so much so that I think she believes it is HERS. As I was tying it, she tried to get up on my lap, not once, but four times, eventually lying on a corner on the floor, not budging. I got up to turn the music down, and she immediately took her place upon it, growling when I moved her back to her little spot. See that menacing look up there? Very real! Once I finished, we shared it, me happily, Paris somewhat grudgingly.
It should come as no surprise that I think I am a quilter now and kind of wish I had discovered it sooner. It is such pleasing work!
Good Morning!
Jimmy Fallon, cutie patootie of my television set, you did a terrific job as host of the Emmy Awards last night (I like your show, too). I’d go so far as to say that Billy Crystal probably thought you looked mahvelous, and that’s saying a lot. What a hoot that was, especially seeing Jimmy’s imitations – he’s good! Not to mention the belly tickling humor, all the touching speeches, and the great opening number. Jon Hamm, let’s be square dance partners some time. You can toss me up in the air. Yes? Okay!
Of course, the handsomeness of the tuxedos and the gorgeous gowns made me swoon. And they were mostly good too, pretty and sparkly and fine. Save a few, of course. I don’t think ladies should look like they are draped in blue plastic or are in the process of imitating a Victorian lamp, no, no, no. But who am I to judge, really? If you feel pretty and your boat is afloat, I should keep my lip buttoned. It’s not like I’ve ever had to choose a dress for the world to see.
As I am well aware that I become rather like a child once an award show comes on (as in, do not talk or distract me in any way unless there is a commercial), I thought ahead and made a simple supper that could easily be eaten directly in front of the television – Cauliflower cheese soup and our go-to green snack, crispy kale (recipe here). This soup is good, my friends, and for it’s mind boggling simplicity, it’s truly hard to beat. How about that crazy cauliflower color, too? Orange like cheetos, but totally natural, certified organic even. Mmm hmm. Here’s the recipe –
Cauliflower Cheese Soup
1 head cauliflower florets
1 quart vegetable stock
4 ounces cheese, grated fine – I used colby jack, but cheddar or gruyere would work nicely, too
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
dash cayenne pepper
salt, to taste
Place the florets in a soup pot (mine is 3 1/2 quarts) and add the stock. Unless your florets come from a very small head of cabbage, the stock won’t cover them all, so don’t fret. Turn the heat to medium-high, and cook, covered, for about 30 minutes, until very soft. Puree with an immersion blender until smooth – or you could leave some of the floret pieces whole if you like it chunky. Taste and add salt as necessary. Add the cheese, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir until cheese is melted and well incorporated, about one minute. Serve. We had ours with the kale, rye crisp and a little butter, but crusty bread would be nice, too.
Enjoy!
Tags: Cooking and Baking, Recipes
