Cabbage Head to the Rescue!

Is this the biggest head of cabbage you've seen or what? And this was only the second largest head that my father-in-law grew this year. This guy is no less than eleven pounds. Sauerkraut, here I come.

The weather round these parts is getting so darn cool I'm almost thinking of starting new beds of lettuce. Today barely made it to 70, and it's not supposed to get above 75 for the next week or so. Typically, we're searing under a 100 degree sun at the end of July. Sheesh! What gives?

I'd also like to add that I grew some pretty awesome brocolli this year. Unfortunately, after the first head was harvested, the others got so wormy, I didn't have the stomach to pick them all out. Curses on you cabbage worm!

Picky.

Did you see pictures of that cabin we rented in Montana? And the views it held? Anthe valley of wildflowers all around it? Yeah, it was $40 a night, and there were two cabins to boot.

After driving through Montana too many times to other, just as worthy, mountainous destinations (one of the pleasures of living on the prairie is driving to the mountains) ... Dan and I decided to give that big 'ol state a try. And we loved it more than any other snow capped state we've visited before (and there have been lots).

But I must be brief, as Ana is on my lap with only underpants on.

We had a splendid week. Turns out Ana is quite the hiker. And the only thing Dan would've changed is that the cabins would've at least had running water. Picky picky.

We're back!

Pictures now, words when we're done unpacking. So, you know, in another few days.

Ana, hiking: (She hiked a mile and a half this day! What a trooper.)

Ana and Manny "fishing" with sticks:

Our cabin for the week (and its view):

The best part of rustic living: hot chocolate every morning!

That's my girl.

Ana: Putting on my pants makes mommy happy.
(thanks for pointing out the obvious kid.)

Me: What makes Ana happy?

Ana: Toby.
(Awwwwwwwww!)

Ain't nuthin' like a nude haircut

The picture says it all:

Fun with Yi

Grandma "Yi" came for a visit:

Bounty.

The garden is in full swing. Lately, we've been noshing on quite a few strawberries, raspberries, beets and their greens, and lots and lots of peas. It makes for some fun meal planning, which is already one of my favorite things to do. So you can imagine the size of my smile when I sit down with paper and pencil.

Here's a good standby for midsummer lunches, or simple dinners. It's called Eggs in a Nest and I totally swiped it from Barbara Kingsolver. It's economical, easy and tasty deliciousness. If you don't like beet greens, you can replace them with any other green: spinach, collards, what-have-you. (Serves 4)

2 large carrots, sliced julienne
a handful of edible pea pods, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
a small onion, diced finely
a clove of garlic, minced
a small amount of olive oil
4 eggs
a huge (and I mean huge) bunch of beet greens (because they cook down quite a bit), chopped

saute onions and garlic in olive oil over medium-high heat in a pan. When onions soften, add carrots, pea pods and beet greens. Saute everything until greens are wilted. The veggies will still be a bit underdone. Make four depressions in the veggies with your spoon and crack the four eggs in them, one in each depression. Lower the heat a bit (to medium) and cover. Poach the eggs this way for a few minutes, or until it's to your likeness. Serve over brown rice.

Ana loves this dish, minus the greens. Dan hates the greens too, so I end up with all the vitamins.

Doesn't it look good though?

Pray for peace.

Some of you know that a good friend of ours, Amy Lenhart, has been battling brain cancer for many years. (Many of you are good friends with Amy too!) These are her last days on earth.

Our hearts have been very heavy here at the shire for the last few weeks/months as news from the Lenhart house has been increasingly worse. And now, it is clear that, barring a miracle, God will soon welcome her to eternity. For this, we are glad! But God, please console those of us she leaves behind.

On Sunday, Fr. Jeremy gave a wonderful homily, during which he briefly mentioned the peace some possess during their last moments before death. They realize that our time on earth is only the beginning of our life with God, and that the best is yet to come. What a wonderful reminder!

Please, join us in praying for a happy and holy death for our dear friend.

And a big Happy Birthday to her son James, who turns One year tomorrow!