Concombres aux Champignons et a la Creme

I must admit I was surprised. The baked cucumbers with mushrooms were very good. Actually, I think they were excellent.

I just could not imagine baking cucumbers. I guess I'd never thought one could bake cucumbers. One eats cucumbers raw in salads or one pickles cucumbers. But baked?

There is one basic recipe for baked cucumbers with four variations on the theme in Julia Child's French Cookbook. And we tried it tonight. Husband and number two son found them quite tasty, having seconds. Number one daughter could not be coerced into even a teeny taste.

Kay had sent me a similar recipe that she had once tried with success so I was hopeful. And the experiment was a success.

The carrots and spinach were also from the garden



I love to see this at the various parking lots around our area. I had lots of errands to do today and horse and buggy were patiently waiting in the Lowe's parking lot when I arrived. I had passed two Amish buggy's on my way to the store and there was another buggy tied up over at the Walmart lot. They seemed to be buying batteries when I encountered the owners inside.





I had lots of engagements this week. My friend just turned 50 and some of us went out to lunch and then back to 42 for cake and ice cream.

I have awfully young friends. And it's fun!

Julie and Julia

We met at the theater and sat in the back two rows.

And we laughed, and snickered and drooled over the food the whole film. We really enjoyed ourselves and the movie.

If you haven't gone to see it yet, you must. Julie and Julia is a wonderfully entertaining movie about two determined and delightful people. And for people who love to cook, and eat, it is a must see. The visions of the most wonderfully prepared food made our mouths water.

Julia, played by Meryl Streep who was outstanding, seemed to be such an optimistic, funny, quirky person married to a wonderfully sensitive and caring man. Her rise to fame was long and arduous but she was persistent in reaching her goals. And Julie seems to be pretty amazing to, cooking through Mastering the Art of French Cooking in one year, while blogging about her successes and failures and having a full time job. That may have been creative license.

After the movie we headed to 42 and had coffee and lemonade ice cream pie and discussed the movie. We loved the cinematography, the angles that were creatively shot, the way they caught the two sisters reaching out for each other, the scenes of Paris, the harshness of Queens, and a view of Julia's kitchen. Then, I just had a recollection that I might have that particular cookbook and we found it on my cookbook shelf. It came from my mother-in-laws and just happens to be a first edition of that cookbook. I'm inspired now to keep it out and try some of the recipes. Maybe she has something I can do with the large amount of cucumbers that have come out of the garden!

Change

There is change on our side of East Main Street. Actually on both sides of us.

My wonderful neighbors for many years are moving. And the house on the other side of ours will be filled with students this coming year.

People are asking if we are worried about living next to students. And confessing anxiety and concern for us that we will be so close to students. Actually, I am looking forward to the opportunity that the Lord seems to be bringing our way. Thirty students in the two houses beside ours. Thirty opportunities to reach out and minister to these new friends. A workman over at the property on Friday predicted that they would be partying in our backyard in our "new" potting shed, and that the place would be lite up like a Christmas tree. They were at the time installing security lights on the house and barn in many locations. But I'm viewing it as an opportunity to make new friends. We did have an awful lot of fun last year with a lot of college kids that Laura brought over. Hopefully, I can have them over for a cookout before the fall sets in.

My other new neighbor seems to be at the other end of the life spectrum. He is older and has a family somewhere but has "discovered" that he really has an alternative lifestyle. I'm praying that we can become friends with him as we have with the last two families that have lived in that house.

The other change is that Laura is graduated and gone back to Kansas. We'll miss her and all the friends she would bring to the house. I wonder if Monday Night Madness will continue on Judson street and if I will have any company to watch House this year. Ethan has returned to the city after two weeks of North Country living. How quickly I get used to having him around.

But some things do stay constant.

I still have two dogs.

Pink Zinnias

I love pink zinnias and white phlox.

Although they herald the end of the summer.

Sigh






I did finally get my front borders weeded and mulched with the two truck loads of manure, secured by Ethan for me, from our local riding stable manure pile. It's pure gold to a gardener and I was thankful for a strong guy who could go and get it for me. We did get stuck again but the trusty Suburban pulled us right out!

Tuesday Morning in the North Country

Awake to a gorgeous summer day.

Breakfast of delicious fresh fruit.

Quiet early morning on the couch with the Lord.

Seeing #2 and #3 sons first thing in the morning.

Hearing the buzz of saws and the pounding of nails.

Call from daughter to see if I needed anything in Massena.

Walk downtown to Farmers Market, pass a friendly Amish buggy on Main Street.

We wave to each other.

The downtown square is filled with local vendors and many friends. dad's walking with their children, kids playing in the fountain, neighbors buying produce.

Local farmers and craftsmen selling their wares; vegetables, fruit, wine, jewelry, plants, maple syrup, donuts and baked goods.

Back home to pick green beans, squash, lettuce, cherry tomatoes and cucumbers.

Blanching beans and freezing 5 quarts for winter.

Preparing wonderfully sweet corn for dinner tonight with Grandma and Uncle Don.

Sharing lettuce and cucumbers with resident workmen.

The simple, north country life. It is wonderful!

Improving Your Serve

I'm rereading a great book by Charles Swindoll, Improving Your Serve, The Art of Unselfish Living.
Mr. Swindoll says:
"Three characteristics of becoming a servant.

1. Transparent humanity

2. Genuine humility

tests of humility

1. A nondefensive spirit when confronted. This reveals a willingness to be accountable. Genuine humility operates on a rather simple philosophy: nothing to prove, nothing to lose.

2. An authentic desire to help others. I'm referring to a sensitive, spontaneous awareness of needs. A true servant stays in touch with the struggles others experience. There is that humility of mind that continually looks for ways to serve and to give

3. Absolute honestly. Honesty has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it.. as do servants of God. No ulterior motives. No hidden meanings. An absence of hypocrisy, duplicity, political games, and verbal superficiality. As honesty and real integrity characterize our lives, there will be no need to manipulate others. We'll come to the place where all the substitutes will turn us off once we cultivate a taste for the genuine, the real."

It's a challenging read, but one necessary for a church immersed in a "looking out for number one, me" society.

Good Bye Laura

Laura left on Tuesday.

She's on her way to a new adventure.

Saturday, Liz had a beautiful brunch for Laura and girlfriends.




We ate outside on the patio. It was a beautiful day, full of sunshine and no rain.
The German pancake, spinach quiche and fresh fruit were delicious.
And the company even better!




Then a trip to camp. The little seen, this summer, bathing suit was worn by all. A boat ride, waterskiing, wakeboarding, rescuing dogs, cookout, bonfire, s'mores, fishing, pound cake, berries, whip cream (made the Paul Brown way) and we all headed home for the night.

Serious packing began early Monday morning. Suitcases, stowed in the attic of the barn emerged and were quickly filled. Drawers emptied, books boxed and clothes from closets removed. And believe it or not, the Honda was packed to overflowing Monday night and everything fit in. Uncle Rob checked the oil and put more air in the tires to carry the heavy load.



And just when I didn't think another thing could possibly fit in, a large suitcase, small case and oh yes, "I'd better not leave my purse in my room".

A hug and a kiss and a prayer for protection and direction. And she was off.




Two years went by very quickly.

Laura came unexpectedly. We talked about it during our reunion and then a quick trip home and back in a couple of weeks to start nursing school in August.

Carol and Laura quickly became wonderful friends. And whoever was friends with Carol became Laura's friend too. She jumped right into the college and career group at CFC and was soon participating in serving and washing dishes every Sunday at the Daniels, for 100 college kids. She celebrated two birthdays here with friends quickly made.

She found out how a church family mourns and grieves for one who has gone too soon. How a body meets together and holds each other during the church service that was devoted only to her cousin's husband . She found support and love as she managed the home by herself on several occasions. She became the sister that Liz never had. And a capable dog sitter, trainer and exercise partner for three and later four large dogs.

She learned about North Country winters quickly. Four new snow tires and a lot more time in the morning for ice removal. Winter coats, sweaters, mittens and woolen hats and scarfs. The knitting began.

She participated in many medical teaching sessions, conducted around the supper table where disease entities, treatments, surgical procedures, pharmaceutical options were the conversation of the hour. And she became part of the medical community of CPH and thus knowledgeable about all the intrigues of local hospital life.

She became a life group leader, a waitress, a high peaks hiker, a tourist guide to out of town friends, a student, a teacher, a soccer player, a motor boat captain, and a part of a new family.

The next year found her navigating the streets and subways of New York City. Several trips, including Broadway musicals, and a trip to the car compound, hospital visits, Wii instruction, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. And always the family trips to Hilton Head Island. Shopping (like it or not this year!)

Soccer continued, Monday Night Madness began, and a relationship developed.

And now her time with us is done, for the moment. The future is open and bright for her. The Lord will reveal a wonderful plan to her, His plan. And we are all waiting to see what exciting things that will bring.

So we cherish the time we had with her and trust her to His hands.

"See you later" dear neice.