Small town living

  
** I’m aware that some folks are having a real hard time leaving comments here on the blog – I don’t know what the issue is, must be a blogger thing.  I don’t have blocks set up and nothing looks amiss.  I’m sorry for the inconvenience and I appreciate that you’ve attempted to reach me. 

   We live just a few miles from a busy shoreline, but our little town is still considered by many to be living “in the sticks”.  That may have been true years ago, but if you judge by the through traffic that flies up the road past our farm and the fact that I have a Dunkin Donuts, a subway, a bank, a True Value Hardware store and a four star gourmet italian restaurant about a mile from my front door,  I think those who truly live “in the sticks” would get a chuckle at the reference.  The one thing we don’t have is a grocery store, go figure. 
   Because we live in a small town, not much is missed by the masses.  There is a small political group lead by a newcomer to town who are hell bent on trashing the good will we have all granted each other over the years regardless of our differing political views. The following is a piece I posted on Fb that kinda sums up how I feel about the subject of small town life around here…  I bet those of you who live in a small town community can relate.  The photo accompanies the post. 
   This is what a healthy community looks like. So many things this one photo represents- the obvious- a town owned farm long dilapidated and then resurrected mainly by many volunteers and civic groups who often come together regardless of their political affiliations for common goals that benefit generations.
This photo also represents a wholesome family activity away from the iPhone and tv screen and ear buds.. – the tables of pumpkin carvers were filled with all age groups, the young and young at heart. If you didn’t attend, you can still enjoy the fruits of their labor with a simple drive-by at night- the glow of this community effort will warm your heart.
I’ve lived in ******** for over 32 years. So many good and generous and community oriented folks here. I think it’s why we all chose this little town to raise our children. We have been lucky until recently that regardless of our different and varied political views, opinions, beliefs in what was best for our town, we pursued those beliefs while still respecting that we are all neighbors, our children are watching our behavior, and thankfully, political opponents have been respectful of each other. Most of us still believe in this way of life.
The truth about the party system- there are several approaches to building a community, it’s a multifaceted task. All parties have valid concerns and ideas and we won’t always agree on the method . We are not each others enemy. If we treat each other with respect, we can work together and separately to keep our town on track to thrive. It takes a village- and in this little village there is no need or use or want for nasty political jabs. Want to make a difference? Speak with respect and doors open, people listen.
A big Thank you to all the people in our community who show up, reach out, volunteer, speak up, participate, iron out issues and work through problems, differences, needs, etc etc.. together.
    We’ve enjoyed a crazy beautiful summer-like fall so far, and we’re taking advantage of every minute of perfect weather we can.   Stella’s leaves are all raked, acorns picked up, the rest of the furniture put away, and I took another kayak around the cove. The water was crystal clear and chilly, felt so good and refreshing on my feet and hands.  There were indeed some swimmers on Saturday, and I was so tempted to join them. 

   Katherine Hepburn lived just up the coast a few miles back in the day, and she swam in the sound in front of her home daily all year. (that’s her below )  That just seems crazy to me, but there are others who do the same and like Kate, claim it has great health benefits and clears the mind.  ( among other things, i’m thinking!) 

 

     My best girl and I also rode the mini ponderosa here yesterday on our trusty ponies – a glorious day with few bugs on the trail and still – late October, t-shirt weather.  I think the yoga  I’ve been forcing myself to do… and walking/hiking with the dogs  is helping with the stiffness and pain of the   fibromyalgia, because I have not been tremendously sore after these activities… it’s encouraging.

   Here are a few more pictures taken around the farm with my phone – truly these iphones are amazing –  If you had told me 15 years ago we’d be walking around with a little square box that is a mini computer, a phone, a camera, a compass, and so much more, I wouldn’t have believed it. Do you think we’ll see hovering cars in our lifetime?

The light has been glorious, the temps comfortable, the colors not as vibrant as they could be, I’m guessing due to the lack of moisture and the warmer air.. but fall has indeed arrived along with pumpkin spice everything ( I’ve got the yogurt in my fridge to prove it) and I’m savoring every minute.

 Till soon, friends –

Winterized

  We’ve been making little trips down to Stella to batten down the hatches in preparation for the winter season, the Un-Season for summer cottages. Frasier needed some one on one time away from the puppy a/k/a the terr0rist so last week I brought him with me and we  took a walk around the island to bid farewell to the summer breezes, the queen anne’s lace in the little fields by the beach,  the towels hanging over deck rails to dry, the water warm enough to wade in, still.  
There are no more boats in the water, all tucked away till next “season”.  Most folks who live on island for the summer have gone home. Out of the 140 cottages, there are about six winterized homes that are lived in year round.  That must be just a little lonely come those cold winter months.  Or perhaps the solitude is heavenly. 
  While on our walk I discovered a kindness rock placed near the roadside…
   We could all use that reminder, eh? 
  I washed bed linens, folded and stored them and the  pillows in rubbermaid containers lest the meese try to take up residence again.   They shant, I tell you, for we have fortified these walls with mighty….. well I don’t know what we fortified these walls with, but the husband hates meese, so I know he fortified it somehow.  Steel wool also works great in any leftover little peep holes, like where the plumbing comes in.  

   I also emptied the fridge and food from cupboards and the garbage has been collected and the bin taken away – the water will be shut off next week and we’ll blow out the pipes so they don’t freeze and burst.   I’m not sure if I’ll cover the furniture with sheets.  Any of you have a summer place you’ve closed up for periods of time? Advice? 
   
  I plan to check on ole’ Stella often, as she’s just 20 minutes away – and the dogs and I will continue our walks around the island through the winter if snow isn’t too deep. We won’t be alone, as several others do the same.  It’s sad to close her up, though, even for just half a year. 
Till soon, Stella – 
 

We Rise By Lifting Others

   

 Lately I’ve been giving a lot of thought to this quote – one of my favorites.  It’s something that’s totally lost on our current President….the supposed leader of the free world.  Ironic, this.. I remember accusations that Ob*ma was dividing us… if you thought he caused division in our nation, well.. what are you telling yourself now?

  Never thought I’d say this.. but the Orange Scream did himself a disservice by sitting down for an interview with F*x’s S*an Hann*ty. However,  for once SH did us all a favor, shed some light.     Interesting take by Robert Reich…

Last night on his Fox News show, S*an Hannity asked Tr*mp about the success of the U.S. economy in the first 9 months of Tr*mp’s presidency. Tr*mp’s reply:
“The country, we took it over in 20 trillion you know the last eight years they borrowed more than it did in the whole history of our country. So they borrowed more than $10 trillion. Right? And yet we picked up $5.2 trillion just in the stock market. Possibly picked up the whole thing in terms of the first nine months. In terms of value. So you can say in one sense, we are really increasing values and may be in a sense, we are reducing debt. We are very honored by it and very, very happy by what’s happening in Wall Street.”

Tr*mp is arguing that the national debt is being reduced because of the stock market gains.


That’s bonkers. There’s absolutely no connection between the stock market and the national debt. The stock market measures how much wealth is created or lost by large corporations and investors. The national debt is the debt owed by the federal government, which can be reduced only by raising taxes or reducing government spending.


**Tr*mp ran as a businessman who understands the economy. He’s a showman and a conman who appears to understand very little. 


   For those of us who believed he was here for the little guy, going to lift the lower and middle class…  I wonder how that sits with you so far.  His new tax plan is a big bonus for the wealthiest among us.  As the GOP would have you believe, it will trickle down eventually to you and I.  Haven’t we been there before, done that already?  Isn’t that what  they were railing against when they chanted Drain the Swamp?   It’s  the teacher down the road and the baker on Main Street and the mechanic at the garage and the mom and pop gas station owner, the family of four trying to hang on to their house or send their kids to a decent school or the single mom or dad raising kids alone who need the tax breaks. They ain’t getting it. 

  How about the treatment of Puerto Rico – talk about kicking folks when they’re down.   Or the NFL – way to inflame even more!

 Here’s a thought – With a nuclear war a feather tickle away with N. K*rea thanks to the Orange Scream’s inflammatory rhetoric,  Puerto Rico in ruins and we’re calling them lazy and telling them we can’t be there forever!  Wildfires out of control in CA, our healthcare system a bigger mess than ever, another mass shooting – the biggest in our history!, Russian investigations going who-knows-where, 45’s  ridiculous tweets slamming any and all and full of lie upon lie upon fabrication ( he’s twitter-feeding you his own fake news, people! Please call a spade a spade! ) ….  tell me…. how could he possibly believe he’s investing his time wisely by butting in to things like an NFL peaceful protest situation for what is definitely a just cause.  His over-inflated ego won’t allow him to shut up, it’s that simple.  He doesn’t have the class to restrain himself when it isn’t appropriate.   How about sending Pence and family to do his little side show of leaving the game after the anthem because players took a knee – at our expense!…  He’s running this country like a reality TV show and he’s spending millions upon millions of our money on golf weekends. Every. Weekend.   That’s so not cool.     I’m no snowflake, either.

     To so many of us, it appears he’s come undone… the Emperor is wearing no clothes.   And to yet others, well.. bravo! And such beautiful robes!

Go figure.

   So if  you’re also disheartened, whether you are a Democrat, a Republican, a liberal, a snowflake, a right wing nut or a clown in the circus – This is what we all can do if we want to be a part of positive change

  …… We Rise By Lifting Others..……

     Besides taking the time to investigate and vote in responsible, rational candidates with integrity we can rely on in upcoming elections no matter what side of the isle you reside on …  We can continue to look around for ways to volunteer in our communities.  Reach out when we might be  of service to someone in need of a little help.  Hold a door open , mow the elderly neighbors lawn or pick up the wet paper and place it at their door.  Let’s make a pie for the veteran who keeps to himself in the lonely house down the road. Donate stuff you’re not using to Goodwill…. visit a nursing home and bring donuts to the residents. Bring food, old blankets, towels or toys to the local animal shelter. Donate what’s comfortable to you, even $5 makes a dent – to worthy causes, there are so many.  Thank the people who provide services to you – the trash service, the waitress, your mail delivery person, the person in the McD*nalds drive through window. 

   …. speaking of which….. You know what I did recently?  It’s no big deal, I know this.. but boy did it turn my day around and make me feel good.   I grabbed fries and a water at a local drive-thru.  At the window stood a girl who has been working there for years – always with a smile.  I thanked her for always having a cheerful greeting for her customers and handed her $20.   Her eyes lit up and the size of her smile warmed my weary heart.  Then at the grocery store I bought sunflowers and  chocolates and brought them to my dad’s assisted living home.   I plopped them on the nurses station and I said thank you so much for the care you give these residents.

    If you’re still with me here and you have racist or homophobic tendencies… I think if you’re prejudice you know it… well, next time you’re in the vicinity or sharing space with a person of a different ethnicity or lifestyle, black, white, green red or yellow, Don’t shut yourself off.   Be polite – be kind, be open to a conversation. Pay a compliment, hold a door, pay their toll  or coffee if they’re behind you in a line.  Be open to the idea that they are indeed as deserving as you to be in this world, with similar struggles, similar hopes and dreams and fears and loves.  We aren’t all so different.  See how it feels to let go of old habits that serve no one.  You’ll feel better about you, I promise you.

  So who the hell do I think I am?   No one special, but I am definitely someone who wants better for all of us. We are capable of so much more than what we’re seeing right now.   We can be a light in these dark times.  Every drop of water creates the eventual ocean.  We’ve all seen what ripples do… We can rise about all this… one way is to lift ourselves by lifting others. 

Till soon, friends –

October in Vermont

  Jeanne P. – Miss Sally picked your name off the floor offerings – you’re my fall give-away winner!  You’ll receive a fall package in the mail shortly.   
  
   We had a lovely visit to Woodstock, Vermont last weekend. It’s our third trip to that town and Inn, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to experience New England at it’s best.  Many beautiful old homes pf stone, brick, or clapboard with slate roofs, shops from a very old fashioned General Store to upscale art galleries, a pub or two, a flannel shop like no other, gift and clothing stores galore, and the Inn itself has great accommodations and is family friendly.  It ain’t cheap… but if you’re looking to treat yourself for just a few days – this is a great way to do it.   A post on a previous trip HERE
 A magnificent sunflower head in the garden at The Billings Farm and Museum. 

We took a bike ride through some of the backroads around town.

Same covered bridge…

Harvest Festival at the Billings Farm… where the “kids” participated in the games…

We visited the Vermont Institute of Natural Science and saw some magnificent rehabilitated birds.

This old place below is absolutely beautiful, stately, located right on the main street near the Inn, and totally dilapidated.  It’s the only property in a total state of abandonment in this area and I can’t imagine why no one is willing to fix her up.  If only it were within our means to take it on.

 We had mom along with us, and what a trooper. She kept up with all the trudging around  and next visit she wants to explore the neighborhood  too.   
  The one odd thing… it was tee shirt weather all weekend.  Even with the occasional rain showers. 

The K-List – Fall edition

     When I was much younger I believed I should have been born down South because the thought of -always Summer- was magical to me.  As I have matured I have come to truly cherish the change in seasons and now  I won’t give it up.   While it’s true Winter in New England can drag on with more grey cold days than I’d like,  it has it’s merits.  Living on a farm means spending much of your daylight hours outside tending livestock and gardens and hay fields, etc.  When winter sets in we’re in the house earlier, hunkered down by the fire most evenings, reading and catching up on the news.   It’s a time to allow ourselves to  be together quietly, to recharge and even  hibernate just a little, to not be so busy out and about.  My dogs seem to recharge  too – they sit in my lap and around my feet near the fire in the mancave or at my desk as I work, and they soak in  sunspots on the floor of the kitchen.

     Speaking of dogs… Miss Sally has blended very well with our family – at seven months she’s a bit rambunctious at times but  Ben, Bailey and Frasier tell her what they think of the new kid on the block without bloodshed and she has slowly been accepted into the pack.

     The light in a New England Autumn is just so warm and inviting. The skies bluest of blue.

    And that moon! Did you happen to glimpse the full moon last night?  It was amazing… I need to buy a zoom lens. My phone and canon with regular zoom did not catch it’s magnificence.

   
**Skip this section if you are avoiding unpleasant current events – and I don’t blame you.  Scroll on down to the recipes… 

   In the midst of enjoying all this fall beauty, we are constantly reminded of all the horrors occurring out there in the world. Sometimes I just want to ignore it all, shut it all out… and yet that seems irresponsible.   The horror of what has happened yet again, this time in Vegas.. Well, to sound cliche-ish – what is our world coming to.  And how can you stop a madman from an act such as this.

   Regarding gun laws – I believe in our right to own a gun responsibly. I also think not enough safety precautions are in place – not enough restrictions, regulations.  Thorough background checks, mental health history checks (oh yes, I know that violates rights, but still… ).. why is it harder to get a drivers license than a handgun?  Why are civilians allowed to buy semi-automatic assault weapons?  Silencers, $50 accessories that make a gun fire more rapidly?   And you know, while it may be true that the bad guys will find a way to get their weapon of choice,  why not put up roadblocks regardless?  Any life that might be saved, any deterrent that might stop the progress of an attack such as the Vegas horror show, why ever not?  I don’t agree with those who believe all gun owners are evil and no one should own one except law enforcement.  We don’t live in a Utopian world, we have to be prepared for the real world,  the madness of which you and I are fully aware.  Gun ownership is not all about  angry white men, as a friend of mine would have you believe.  However, the lack of restrictions and regulations in this country is appalling.  Slippery slope, this issue.  But doing nothing seems criminal.

     It continues to amaze me that 45 still has his seat in the Oval office, and the support of his base as well.  I’m no snowflake – I just believe in truth and maturity and a general sense that our President is here for all of us, not the some-of-us who like his brand of… I can’t even call it leadership.  How we can all see the same behavior and either applaud it or be  horrified and embarrassed by it is beyond my scope of understanding.  I had a conversation with a family member last night about this very thing.  I asked what exactly was it about this POTUS that felt inspirational.   Because that was the word the person used.  The explanation was that what 45 says in rallies makes that person feel pride in being American… it says “screw the establishment,  it hasn’t been working for the people, we’re finding our own way”.     Well… what can I say to that – that is my cherished person’s truth.  What I see is the complete opposite.  How did this come to be?  Clearly, I couldn’t tell ya.  I haven’t been happy with the government corruption and obstructionism among parties, lobbyists, etc. for a long time, so I get that sentiment.    It is a small comfort to see some of the GOP putting their party loyalty aside and standing up for integrity, truths, calling a spade a spade.   Right now it seems our divides in this country and abroad are growing wider.  Where this will all lead is a mystery to just about all of us, no matter what our beliefs.. but chaos is an undeniable part of it and that’s a scary deal for all.

  ONWARD! 

 None of these recipes are mine, all credit goes to the links provided.  It’s my goal to make all of these throughout the season though, and hopefully not eat most of each.  Luckily my grown kids stop in frequently and clear out the glass covered cake dish I try to keep full on the kitchen island.  I’m not ashamed to admit I use a little bribery to lure them in for visits and I love every one, even when  they’re  just drive-bys or bathroom stops or complaint filings.   🙂   

   Note: What’s been helping me to stick to a healthier diet lately is I’m really trying to focus on this gluten free thing, to see if it helps with this lovely fibromyalgia pain.   I’m giving it six months, so I know for sure whether it helps to be gluten free.  Two months in, I do notice much less bloat.  For that reason, I won’t be eating most of this stuff myself, although I sure am a glutton for punishment, eh? The temptation will be extreme. 
**Please add your favorite fall dish of any kind in the comments section if you’d like to share too. 







Chocolate Pumpkin Truffles 
 I’ll be back soon with some genuine Vermont fall flare to share… 
and.. a special something from Vermont for a recipe share
winner in the comments section, chosen by tossing your names
on a scrap of paper into the air
and whomever is selected by my Sally pup on the floor
will receive the surprise gift. 
Yup, that’s sometimes how we roll. 

Fallish

    Weird weather ’round here lately – we had 90 degree temps with ugly humidity just a few days ago – and today it’s in the 60’s, overcast with leaves beginning to turn and fall.  We’re heading to Vermont soon with the kiddos and my mom. We’re all hoping for that glorious color we actually also get here but for some reason it seems even more spectacular and cozy against a Vermont background.  You know I’ll share pictures with you when we return.  
     The Mr. and I had dinner on Stella’s deck the other evening as we were pummeled by the massive oak tree’s acorns.  Stupid me thought I could scoot across the lawn barefoot to retrieve something and  (@#!*@ ) damned near screamed doing it.  There will be no more scooting on bared-naked feet whilst the acorns are a-fallin.  One of those acorns must have fallen from the very highest branch of that tree  and chipped my Jeep’s windshield too.   The tree is a beautiful, stately old oak on the side of the cottage that must be about 100 years old.  I really hate the idea of cutting it down, but Lord, the mess it makes, as it’s acorn production is prolific!  It’s something we’re debating. 
      While we sat down there watching the yard fill up with acorns, we took stock of all the good times we had on this, our first summer of cottage life. It was absolutely the right decision, to acquire and renovate Stella, even though our finances took a hit because of it. We have all enjoyed it and hope for many years of memory making down there to come.  I can also tell you if you’re looking to do the same, we are very very glad we decided to look fairly local for that little cottage, instead of schlepping three hours or even farther for another.  Because we have obligations here at the farm, getting away often would not happen if that drive were a bigger one.  It’s easy to go check on things, and easy to just go for the day or the evening, even on work days. 
     We took a selfie on Stella’s concrete dock/slab… 
 This picture says something to me… some things  do get better with age.  Because we’re so thick headed and opinionated and   thickandopinionated, wash, rinse and repeat….  our marital road has been a bumpy one.  We love each other very much and sometimes we really can’t stand each other.. washRinseRepeat.   I can tell you this if you haven’t already experienced it yourself – as we get older, we’re finding it’s not as important to express our different selves as it is to revel in each other’s alikeness.  We both cherish the same things and it’s those things that truly see a person through.  Life ain’t easy.. …..I’m sure glad I’m not going it alone and I’ve got a truly good soul walking the path with me.   Even if he did vote for….. I’ll just quit while we’re ahead here. 
   Leaving you with these pictures, the last of which  I took this morning as I walked up to the barn to feed horses.  This house we live in is another that has gotten better with age – and as it’s “newness” after renovation has begun to wear, I love it even more.  
 I call our house Saving Grace, or Gracie – because 8 years ago, when we picked her back up from decrepitude,  we were her saving grace and she was ours.   
Greeting the sun each morning since 1835 – 

 Till soon, friends….. 
     

Taking a knee, those ugly tweets, and a magical night on the water

      Oooh boy…. If you still come by here often enough, you know how a feel about most things I’ve covered in posts.   I don’t shy away from expressing my opinion on a subject, and that may irk a few people now and again.  That’s OK by me, as long as we’re civil in how we discuss our differing views.  I’m open to learning something from another’s viewpoint, although I don’t count on ever swaying another in my direction and vice versa.  Communication is a must, regardless.. or nothing ever gets accomplished – that’s just a truth in all things.  So I communicate, often, for better or worse.  Hopefully more better than worse. 
     The *Take A Knee movement has gained momentum and perhaps even gained a new purpose thanks to 45’s  juvenile tweets on the subject.  He bellowed “I’d Fire those Sons-of-Bitches”…. These words spoken to a crowd regarding NFL players  who have taken a knee while the Anthem is played and the flag displayed.   That obnoxious speech and the accompanying tweets led all NFL teams to kneel and stand with arms locked together on Sunday, a show of Unity in the league after being attacked by their, our, yours my.. President.
  *Sigh. 
    How do I feel about the *knee movement?   My opinion differs greatly from most of my Democrat or Liberal friends and they have let me know this very vehemently on social media. My republican friends are cheering me on, happy to finally! be in agreement on something.  
  Jeez… it’s not about that, folks.   
    No kidding – because of my opinion on this particular thing, I was accused of being a traitor to my “party” because I don’t  agree on this issue … and what that right there is to me is the colossal failure of all parties, especially in recent times.  We tend to separate ourselves into the party our beliefs align with, and we shut out and vilify all others.  We close our eyes and ears to listening to another avenue, another way, another take and then when we do that, we are blind to our own failures or pitfalls or oversights.   That’s what our government is doing, anyway. 
     I have never fully committed to a party affiliation myself, as I want to hear all sides on the issues according to the various crisis we currently face ( where do we start??)  and I don’t want an affiliation to own me.    I see strong and valid ideas on both sides of the isle, amid the corruption and usual bullshittery. When I vote, I vote for the person I feel will have the most positive impact in the current political and social environment for the greater good.  Admittedly, that’s been more Democrat than not.  Mostly.  Almost All.  Last summer and fall  I did lend an earnest ear to what the Republicans had to say – and the lead horse in the end was just not one I could ever stand behind and feel good about.   We’ve all witnessed why that is by now.   If you voted for 45 and still feel good about it, well you’re amazing.  I congratulate you on your stoic resolve to see it through.  I hope you know something special that I don’t, really not kidding here, I mean this. 
     Racism is an ugly, ugly thing –  most of us know this.  What will turn the hearts and minds of those who are so ingrained with that hatred is beyond me, for it should be crystal clear in this day and age how very wrong the act.  While I sympathize with those in our culture who still deal with racism, injustice and inequality, and it is not just the black population, there are many forms of racism and injustice, prejudice and inequality – I wish Colin and his comrades in arms (or knees) chose something other than the symbol that for many represents our patriotism, our love for our country, the symbol and song that brings goosebumps and tears to my eyes every time I hear and see it in a public display – The symbol that for me and many others represents – Home of the Free Because of the Brave.  Because of those men and women, many of whom lost their one sacred life defending our freedoms (indeed, including freedom of speech)   and were buried with a flag draped over their coffin.  I am of the opinion that  it was a really poor choice to carry the racism message.  Others are thrilled because it’s a peaceful protest.. and the issue is huge, real, and needs to be addressed.   I  see their point.  ….. and I still stand behind my opinion that  they should have picked another way. This way will be taken as unpatriotic, ungrateful, by those who won’t sympathize with them anyway.  Why give them grounds to do so? 
    So what will happen now?  When will the kneeling stop and some positive action begin?  Well we are all talking about it… but most of “we” aren’t the problem.   In their spare time and with the multiple spare funds they have gained as very successful athletes in this country..  I hope those men will head out into the communities that need them, will meet with the press and talk out the issues, will meet with law enforcement and inner city families, build some bridges, community centers, promote work ethic and education,  keep the conversations going so that something will actually come of this taking of the knee, shunning the flag and the anthem.  
    Since I posted that opinion, I have been called a traitor, I have been accused of not fully understanding or sympathizing with the black man’s experience because I am of white privilege.  I have been told I have gone to the other side because I side with 45.  
      I was frustrated that some of the folks I still consider friends were so aggravated by my opinion on this knee taking stance. I saw their point, why couldn’t they see mine?  We both want the same things in the end.   And then I said that thing I often need to say to myself, …. maybe it took six times but still…. This isn’t about you, Karen. 
    True, this – we don’t need to defend ourselves and shouldn’t take offense to other points of view. That’s not an easy pill to swallow for someone like me.  Nevertheless…    I know who I am, what I stand for and what I do not, I trust my own intelligence, I am fair and honest.  I believe in  equality and justice for all.   If you and I meet up in a dark place and you desperately need the last of something I’ve got, I’ll share it with you or hand it over whether you’re black, white, orange or red, voted for Hill or Tr*mp or RumpleStilskin.   That’s going to have to be good enough for anyone who wants to stick around.   
     Well… now that the heavy is dumped… let me share a little light with you.   Last night the light on the cove was nothing short of magical – water smooth as glass with little breeze, mellow gorgeous silvery blue and then golden pink light as far as the eye could see.  I wish I could pour it out to all of you so that you could feel the joy and peace I felt last night as I paddled through that quiet water.  It took the edge off my day. 
 That and a gin and tonic with a lovely twist of lime made by my sympathetic mother.  

Till soon, friends – 

What he said.

     

     I’m glad someone in Washington is willing to stand up for what’s right, regardless of party affiliation. We’ve all gotten so wrapped up in finger pointing at the Democrats, the liberals, the Snowflakes, the Republicans, the Conservatives, the Alt-rights… the assholes! (whomever you currently think that is)… but the real bottom line? The government, all of them.. are supposed to be working for US, no matter what category you think you fall under… we are all THE PEOPLE. Not the lobbyists, not their party pals, not their supporters only. The collective group of ALL OF US.

      The ACA needs to be fixed. FIX IT.. don’t keep throwing shit policy out there to see what sticks. FIX IT.. TOGETHER. Congrats to Senator McCain for calling a spade a spade. Perhaps more will follow in his footsteps and grow a conscience.  Sad reality – Why does it have to take a swan song for this to happen…


Are we doing too much?

 You know that saying… 50 is the new 30, etc etc.?  Hold that thought for a minute. 
      In a recent discussion with friends our age, the subject turned to our children and the next generation.  In particular, the difference between how we raised our kids and how we were raised by our parents.  It seems there’s a heck of a difference in some areas… and is that an improvement or a setback?  Another interesting point – Do we OWN our kids?  I believe we do but I know many who would disagree. I see the owning as responsibility for how we raised them. We own that for sure.
    We talked about how the next generation in general seems to struggle with -adulting- and what that might mean about our parenting.  Our collective experience as young folk was that we had little jobs from the time we were around 12-ish, if not younger – like babysitting in the neighborhood, delivering newspapers, etc… graduating to perhaps waitressing,  camp counselor, busboy, gas station attendant, grocery clerk type jobs… whatever level of school we attained and then our adult work life. We were given or went out to seek responsibilities and were expected to tow the line. Period. For the most part, all of us in our early twenties were already living our adult lives and paying our own way.  
    Now, with all the modern advances since we were young –  (no such thing as home computers and cell phones and texting and everyone has a car at 16.5 years of age and the other modern conveniences that make life easier in this day and age)  you would think the growing up and adulting part would be that much easier for the next generation.  What it appears we have done by lightening the load is enabled our youth to slack off some on the growing up, to hold off on owning responsibility for ones self a bit longer.  It appears in the  – I want to give my kid the things I didn’t have, or… I don’t want my kids to have to work as hard as I did– … we may have failed them in some important way.   
    It didn’t kill me to walk the blocks to school or stand out in the snow waiting for the bus.  It didn’t kill me to  clean an old lady neighbors house when I was 13… heck, that experience taught me how to clean a house! (and work around a partially senile but lovely old person). It didn’t kill me to waitress at a synagogue at 15 and 16 years of age, working  for people with a lot of money and not very much respect for those who waited on them hand and sometimes literally foot.  It didn’t kill me to walk endless miles of pony track at the zoo, giving pony rides to children for hours on end in a dusty little arena.  It didn’t even wound me… it taught me what responsibility means – someone depended on me to be there, to show up, to do what I said I would do.  It taught me what earning the money you need for the things you want or need means.  It taught me how to adult before I had to stand on my own two feet and actually become one. 
      What we are collectively seeing with the next generation that we have been more generous with in time and money, is an expansion of their dependency on us.. in some instances a reluctance to GROW UP.  An inability or a resistance to standing on their own two feet, make their way in the world, and yes,  please come to us for support and knowledge and all those good things, but not REALLY all  those good things. 
      Think about it.. by the time you were 21, where were you in life, what were you doing?  How much did you depend on your parents at that point in your life?   How much depended on you getting your own self out there doing what you needed to do in order to have what you wanted?  
       I need to be clear, here, and boy is this gonna sound snobby –  but DESPITE the fact that I have spoiled my children in the various ways I have been fortunate to do, they have indeed turned out to be responsible young adults.  I think , I hope and I pray that besides the spoiling, the Mr. and I have instilled in them the need to tow the line, own up to their responsibility for their own lives, to be dependable for themselves and for those who do and will depend on them.  I should also say that it’s entirely unfair to pin the unadulting or the extended youth experience (for lack of a better term)  on ALL of this next generation.  There are certainly many who are doing a fine job of adulting, and excelling!  I’m not referring to them.  It appears, though, that perhaps 30 is the new 20 in more cases than not. 
    Another something that goes hand in hand with this train of thought is the lack of younger volunteers.  In our little town alone, it’s the same group of people, now older and retired and just plain tired.. that seem to pick up all the volunteer slack.  When I mentioned this to my mother – she had a valid point… People now-a-days have to work more than ever – there are very few Single income families, where as, years ago, that was the norm.  Back in the day, folks had more time for volunteer activities.  Now they struggle with a two income family trying to make ends meet while seeking some quality family time in that mix.  Who has the energy or the time to volunteer with that kind of load? 
    So while some things have gotten easier, other things have gotten harder.  And by making things easier, perhaps we’ve made things harder.   With all the best intentions,  we may have messed with something that didn’t need fixing.
Food for thought. 
   

Summer’s swan song and the K List

   We’re squeaking out every ounce of  seaside enjoyment we can get at the cottage, dancing in between work and farm responsibilities and the need to soak up what’s left of the summer that sort of wasn’t.  The weather has been odd – kinda wet, kinda cool, kinda cloudy.  While I don’t appreciate hot humid days because they truly make me wilt, some of that heat would have been appreciated. 

 If you’re a woman looking for a kayak that is stable, versatile in quiet and slightly choppy or running waters and easy to maneuver, I strongly recommend the Necky Manitou Sport- love my little red Ruby. She’s accumulated quite a few scratches along with the miles on her plastic bottom but so far nothing seeps through- I hope I enjoy many more years with her.

 Not for nothing here.. but I think it should be an unbroken unspoken rule –  If you’re the fisherMAN, you’re also required to actually touch the fish you catch to get it off the hook.  No squeamishness allowed.    

– Just sayin. 

 My mom has gotten a few week long stays in, when weather was agreeable, and entertained friends on occasion as well.  One of the most rewarding things for us is that my mother can enjoy this little place too. Having grown up in a similar small seaside community of which she has many fond memories,  (Cedar Grove Beach, Staten Island – now defunct)… she introduced us to the notion of such a place, and is also part of the reason we were able to acquire Stella when we did.  

Ask me how much we love marshmallows toasted to the extreme… 

We accounted for all family and friends living in Florida – I hope all your loved ones are safe too.  seems IRMA was not quite as horrendous as it could have been, although there is much damage and work to repair in the forecast.  The VI’s were hit the hardest – I cannot imagine what lies ahead for them as they rebuild – in some cases their entire island.  For a location that depends so heavily on tourism, what a double blow to their economy. 
 I’m waiting for a sign from one dear blog friend, Sally – to be sure all is well there too…
Update:  Sally and family are fine – still no power several days in.  
                                     
 At last weekend’s farm market I bought a dog lead for my Sally girl from a really awesome vendor – Elliot of the WashAshoreStore.   Elliot reclaims washed-shore items like boat rope and refashions them into dog leads, etc.   Sally’s is pink… 
 Eliot seen below at market working a new lead.  Her beautiful dog lay patiently at her feet the entire market.  She and her mom have been rescuing and adopting out unwanted dogs for many years – good, good people.  Browse her online store, buy your pup a new lead, this one will last a very long time and it’s upcycled – good for the environment. 
  Meanwhile, back at the ranch… I’ve been asked many times what kind of dog Sally is, mostly because she’s such an odd combination of body part sizes.  I don’t think she’s a dog… I call her our house elf, AKA the terrorist.   
                                       
Leaving you with a recipe I just found on facebook…. Looks like an easy-to-make crowd pleaser – a great pick-on for football season, cottage season, holiday gatherings, a meal all by itself,  you name it.  Has some healthy qualities too…  and a gluten free suggestion for those (like me) attempting to go gluten free. 

Broccoli Cheese Balls…  



*this is NOT my recipe or photo – found on recipetineats.com
Ingredients
  • 2 cups (packed) roughly chopped soft cooked broccoli (well drained) (~400g/13 oz raw broccoli) (Note 1)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • ¾ cup shredded cheese (Cheddar, Colby or Tasty cheese are my usual)
  • 2 shallots / scallions , finely sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Black pepper
  • Olive oil spray
Garlic Lemon Yoghurt Sauce:
  • 2/3 cup plain yoghurt
  • Zest of 1/2 lemon
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ garlic clove , minced
  • 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil (adjust to taste, depends on fat % of yoghurt used)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 200C/390F (all oven types).
  2. Line tray with baking / parchment paper. (Note 2)
  3. Place all ingredients (except oil spray) in a bowl. Mix well to combine, mashing up the broccoli as you go (like when you are cooking mince).
  4. Scoop up a heaped tablespoon, then press in firmly. Flick out into your hand then form into a ball. Place on tray. Repeat with remaining mixture – should make 15 – 18 balls.
  5. Spray with oil then bake for 25 minutes, or until the surface is slightly crisp and golden.
  6. Serve with Lemon Yoghurt Sauce – it also goes great with ketchup!
  7. Sauce: Mix ingredients together then set aside for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
Recipe Notes
1. This can be made with fresh or frozen broccoli. If using fresh, you’ll need 1 giant head or 2 medium heads. Ensure the broccoli is cooked until soft so it is easier to “mash” and mould into meatball shapes.

Chopping and cooking fresh broccoli: Cut the florets off the broccoli then break up into medium pieces. Cut the thinner stem into about 2.5cm / 1 inch pieces. If you want to use the thick main stem, peel the outer skin (which is tough) then cut into 2.5 cm / 1” x 1cm / 2/5” batons. Boil water in a large saucepan (or do this step in a steamer). Plonk the stems in first, cook for 2 minutes. Then add the florets and cook for 3 minutes, or until soft. Drain well.

2. Storing: Cool then place in an airtight container. For a quick reheat, use the microwave, or otherwise reheat in the oven. These also freeze well once cooked. Can be made ahead, form balls, then refrigerate (not freeze), then bake later.

3. Pictured in the photo in post with: Lemon Rice Pilaf and quick sautéed kale (tear off a few handfuls of kale, rip leaves off the tough centre stem, tear into bite size pieces. Saute in a bit of oil with a handful of pre shredded carrots (I always have Just Veg from Woolies on hand), season with S&P and finish with a sprinkle of crushed almonds.

4. GLUTEN FREE OPTION: Sub breadcrumbs with 3/4 cup almond meal.

5. Nutrition is for 1/3 of the recipe which is a meal size serving (for an adult). Gluten free option: increases to 387 calories, carbs decreases to 17g.

 Till soon, Friends –