End of Summer

Summer days are shortening. Evening light slips into the backyard much earlier. The sun sets noticeably farther south than a few weeks ago. It all seems sudden despite the constant subtle changes. The leaves are getting brittle and rustling but havent begun to fall. It makes me ponder the loveliness of an evening on the back deck, overlooking the field, perusing the softening crest of the nearby mountains.Blues and greys steal down the upper slopes and darken to emerald carpets and golden pastures. It's too far to see details of deer but close enough to see clumps of trees and fissures.
These gentle hours remind me of another favorite place. My friends back yard. They live on an acre or 2 of land bought many years ago from an aging couple who gardened. Its no longer a manicured area but a wild and delightful estate.My friend has tucked bulbs and woodland flowers into more traditional settings. We see  ferns or a trillium peeking out between azaleas and rhododendrens, ducks and brilliant blue jays streaking through the cherry tree, squirrels chittering over the pond...a paradise found. And lazing on a chair , chatting with her, in this place, is one of my favorite things.
So sitting in my own chair of a an early fall evening overlooking natures artistry, brings to mind soft reminders of many delightful times spent looking out at dusty pink coneflowers and discussing girl things....good times.

Fresh Air

We are about to embark upon another of our short camping trips. We take the new trailer, named "Puppy" and head for various lakes and camping sites. We stuff the down comforter and a bunch of food in and go. It must be leaving all the chores and cleaning at home thats adds that special flavor. The Fresh air tops the list. Star gazing. Bird spotting. The lap of water on the lakeshore. Reading. (Napping says Rod). AAaahhh!

Fresh Plums

Early fall is sliding under our skin. The air has a hint of chill in the early mornings. The first of the days sun turns the hilltops rust instead of summer's sere brown or sage.The garden has that musty, dusty smell. Leaves are beginning to tinge orange and yellow. Apples dangle  from low hanging branches.The cats laze a little longer in the dappled light on the back deck. Best of all, the plums are ripe. I've watched and checked each day, patiently for me, to examine the last bit of green fading to a deep purple. And yesterday, I bit into the soft aubergine flesh. My reward was a swell of soft textured sweet fruit that melted even better than M&Ms.
So, Rod will soon be having fresh plums; plum cobbler, plums with pork....well, you get the idea.Plum jam, plum syrup...and my favorite dried plums.
 Last year I dried some plums on my handy food dryer that my beloved friend gave me a few years ago. Nothing like the old PRUNES famous as a dietary staple of crones. Dried plums keep that hint of fresh fall fruit all winter long. Popping a few dried plums with a cup of tea on a long winters night is a luxury and comfort not to be passed by. And for todays modern nutritionists and dieters, a healthy and calorie smart snack.
So today I will scamper up the ladder and pluck plums.

Summer Progress

How's retirement? Darn right wonderful! Sorry all you work types. I'm the luckiest person on the planet.
I learned to cook a new recipe or 2 this week. I admit to feeling pleased they were both edible. Zuchinni-Tomato casserole ( for all of those with gardens) and Dahl, and Indian lentil dish. The Dahl turned out really well. I'm trying to go for interesting, healthy, low-fat reciped with less red meat on the plate.
I learned to think about food planning from my Grandmother. She was interested in her ladies group that was focused on Home education. Ive forgotten what they were called. It was where she learned about the 4 food groups, canning, and home hints.
Somewhere along the line homemaker became a dirty word. Maybe it was the women's movement issue. For some woman, never having a choice to move beyond the kitchen would have been a crushing obstacle. And I'm thankful many women continue to push for eqaul chances in the world for women.
I love doing home stuff. I admit I'm not in Martha and Julia's league, but it can be fun and satisfying. Mind you, I have no children underfoot (Rod doesn't count). Iv'e been cross- stitching, weaving, reading, gardening,canning and planning next years watering system.
Im starting to clean out cupboards, plana garage sale, and selling the car and the motorcycle.
I have a lot to do and Im grateful I have the time.