Tag: Sally

A beautiful day

     When I was younger I didn’t live so much in the moment – always worrying about choices, relationships – the good ones and the bad ones, finances or lack of them, my young family’s safety, health, the list goes on and on. While I’m still and always will be a chronic worrier,  ( Heck, I just stopped having “I didn’t do my homework” dreams about five years ago)  I have learned with age to live far more of my life in the moment.  And… I don’t give as much of a f*ck about trying to please everyone all the time, or even if someone likes me.  I have finally come to that place where I know in my heart of hearts I am a decent soul and I like me… maybe even love me.  Sounds silly, but that knowledge comes hard to some of us, and maybe you know the woe.  This was a day when I sat completely comfortable with myself and content with my life’s direction. 





    Yesterday it seems everyone in New England was out and about, enjoying the beautiful 🌺SPRING🌸  day – temps reached 61 degrees!   On the road, some of my fellow Jeepers had their tops off and down at Stella, island folks were beginning the Spring ritual of opening up and airing out their cottages.  My daughter and I spent some time at the show barn with Leah – and I got to take her for a spin around the block a few times myself. 



  As I watched my daughter go ’round the ring practicing for the first show of the season, the warm sun beaming down on our faces, I was reminded again of all she has overcome, how lucky we are to have these experiences after all.   

    After time well spent at the barn, I headed down to the cottage where the Mr. was working with two of his crew to replace the split railing we initially installed at the waterfront.  When sitting on the blue stone patio, what greeted  seated folks at eye level were  clunky cedar beams.  It was a nice rustic look but took away from the water views.  So we’ve installed wire which will keep people from falling over but doesn’t block the view.  It’s almost invisible. as you can see in this photo. 



   We were so pleased with the effect, we decided to take the waterfront railing section  of the deck out and replace it with the same wire.  We have a lot of summer meals up on that little deck and the view now when seated will be a much fuller waterfront scene. That deck comes in handy as a “playpen” for Frasier and Sally as well – they are safe up there with a gate at the stairs, and someday the same will be true when and if we’re blessed with grandchildren. 



     We brought some dirt from the farm down to the shore – we’ll spread it in the waterfront part of the little yard to fortify the grass and level the footing some.  If you can believe it,  M wants to plant a little vegetable garden down there as well as the one I keep here on the farm.  The bunnies are prolific on the island-really-a-peninsula,  he’ll have to put a little fencing up if we are to eat any of that produce. 
   


Frasier, Sally and I took a walk  after inspecting the new fencing… we are on a cove in the Long Island Sound – which you can see in the distance here.  The crocus have arrived!   And they tell me the peepers too, and while I can’t hear the actual thing, I hear peepers 24/7 with the tinnitus and hearing loss, go figure – 😂











  I can usually find at least one piece of seaglass on each walk.  This one was a very pale blue, my favorite color.



The water hasn’t been turned on yet so the cottage can’t be given a thorough Spring cleaning, bed linens aren’t re-washed or beds made  until April 15th or so, when the water is turned back on.   We don’t spend too much time here until then, no toilets!   The new gas stove does a fantastic job of heating up the space when the nip in the air needs tucking.   Sally approves. 


    When the chill came in off the water with the setting sun I came home to feed the horses and chickens and clean the new chicks water for the tenth time.  Have I mentioned how piggy chicks are?  All doing well, by the way.  The  good weather had us all in high spirits, and it was evident in the people we encountered throughout the day, too.   I always hope that kindred spirit spreads far and wide. Wouldn’t it be awesome to have a blanket of good will to cover this entire planet – think of all the problems we could solve, what a wonderful world this could be if only.   It was a restorative kind of day that I sorely needed.   Today I’m wishing the same for  you – 
 Till soon – 
Karen 🌷

Invasion of the Giant Pink Flamingo

   We’ve been spending a significant amount of time down at the shore – cottage life has been a welcome reprieve from our hectic work life and farm chores.   Heading down there at the end of the day to cool off in the water or on the deck for a meal with the gathering family, or to hop in the kayaks on a quiet morning… truly feels like we are AWAY from it all, on  a little vacation.  Making the decision to buy a small place not far from our home as opposed to several hours or more “away” turned out to be an excellent decision for our clan.  We’re getting far more use out of it so close by than we would have if there were a long drive or flight involved.  And – the bonus is friends and family are nearby and can join us easily as well. 

The dogs are with us more often than not – 
and while Frazier swims and has accompanied me on the kayak…
Sally is still unsure.  However, she now ventures to water’s edge –
  Yesterday she stretched her little stubby legs in the surf
(all of two inched deep)  to reach for
a piece of  snow cone my son offered up. 
Progress. 

 The blue steps maybe stand out a bit, but their gritty texture works perfectly
to eliminate slippery stairs. 
*Boat Bottom Paint Plus Sand mixed in* 
And..  I’ve described this before but it always amazes me – 
most of the pictures in this post are taken at low tide. 
At high tide, just a few hours later, the water is up over the blue steps 
 – a difference of about six feet.

  This  succulent-like type plant grows prolifically on our seawall – anyone know what it is?  It now has white flowers and is just beautiful.

  The boys have been clamming –   A little info – Did you know you should never clam right after a rain storm?  The storm kicks up all the muck and pollution and the clams are busy filtering it out right after the storm.  So they’re “full of it”… and you don’t want to eat a mucky clam.

   Our new float (bottom right in picture) is holding up well so far, even with a make-shift patch to the hole we put in it trying to heave it over the cedar fence sea wall.

   Do you see that little pink thing off in the distance? 

  It’s actually HUGE!  Remember the Stay Puff Marshmallow man in Ghostbusters?
That’s what it reminds me of.
Our neighbor a few cottages down the way installed it for his kids. 

  
   Here it is in an ad – to give you an idea of the size.  Apparently they are all the rage this year in lakes, ponds, rivers and coves like ours.  Sams Club, among other places, sells them for around $150.   Probably real fun for a party, but I doubt they last long. I’ll let you know how long Pinky lasts in our cove. 
 
 And if a giant flamingo doesn’t float your boat, perhaps a rainbow pegasus Unicorn will! 
     
Have a safe and happy fourth of July celebration –  We’ve got a heat and humidity wave going here in New England –  Perfect time to have a float in the ocean. 
  

Vitamin Sea

    
    If your head isn’t spinning yet from all the vitriol and ridiculousness and continuing bullshittery that is our current situation in these Un-United States (how did we get to this – I’ll say it one more time, We Are Better Than This… oh please let us find our way to a better place, and soon, all of us)…..  then you come from some sturdy stock.   My fibromyalgia has been in flare in recent weeks and I’m pretty sure it’s because I’m getting far too worked up over things I cannot change. Truly I need to just set it down and walk away from it –  we’ve all heard the serenity prayer, right?… 
  This version even better – 
   Fat chance unknotting knickers, but.. baby steps.  So this weekend we made a concerted effort to stay the hell away from the headlines and just enjoy what’s around us –  here on the farm, down at the cottage and a little lunch date excursion to the seaside town of Stonington, CT –    Staying off topic is no easy feat, as the Mr. and I are polar opposites on the political spectrum.  Not in all things, but Tr*mp and his rhetoric make the differences seem as wide as the Grand Canyon’s divides. 
Anyway!…  The Dog Watch Cafe – I’ve written about it before – if you’re in CT or driving through – it’s a lovely waterfront cafe run and staffed by friendly people with a delicious menu.  Best fish & chips we’ve ever had, but there’s so much more to their fare.  Have you ever heard of short rib and onion stuffed ravioli?  Me either – and it was delish!   And just look at all those flowers…. 

  New to me – these paint splattered petunias. Not sure what their real name is but they’re beautiful –

 The town itself is lovely – all sea captains homes, lovely cottages, row houses, and some old  huge homes and buildings made into condo complexes that are just gorgeous… 
  The peach roses and purple clematis at this cottage were stunning – the picture doesn’t do them justice. 

 Note the Little Free Library on the bottom right of this photo… there were several around town, a concept  I absolutely love.  Reinforces what is good in people.  Encourages reading, knowledge, kindness. 

This brick building with slate roof is much larger than it looks in this picture, stretching down to the water behind it, converted into beautiful condos (OMG the prices though) .  Click HERE for a listing available right now…

    Below is the Cavalry Church, built in the 1800’s.  I’m not religious – but in doing a little research on the impressive stone building, I came across their message – This is the type of message I think all religions and worshippers should embody.  Unfortunately it’s not always the case.


Welcome to Calvary Church, Stonington–we hope you will come visit us in our “Church by the Sea.”   We are a caring community of faith seeking to share the love of God in our life together with one another, and in our support and care for those in need in the world around us.  All are welcome here. Calvary is made up of members young and old, with many new to this community of faith–“whoever you are, from wherever you have come, you are welcome here.” 

  We found a little seaside park that is also a preserve with walking paths and benches.  They’ve installed some beautiful native flowers, bird and butterfly habitats – this split rail fence adorned with some beautiful vine art by a neighbor of the preserve  – the vine pattern goes for at least 10 lengths of fence. 

   Mom had a visit from three of her long time friends – I call them The Golden Girls. Their long standing friendship of many years  and their kindnesses to each other and our family is inspirational.   Here they are, visiting Stella by the Sea – and I’m so grateful they got to “sea” her.   Her doors are always open should they decide to stay for a spell. 
  It’s a glorious morning here on the farm – this photo taken an hour ago as the sun rose.  The three amigos, all getting on in years, living a good retirement life. I wish the same for all of us. 
    Miss Sally, one of my two southern rescue Georgia peaches, is learning to like our rides in the Jeep when we go to the cottage.  As long as I let her stand on the arm rest where she can lean in  and drool all over my shoulder,  she’s learned that every little thing is gonna be OK.  Sometimes  if we’re paying attention, we can learn a thing or two from our animals, don’t ya know.  This isn’t lost on me… 
   
Have a good day, all – and thank you for stopping by. 

Sea Dogs

   Last year when Sally first arrived on transport from Georgia, she was a tiny little thing and nervous to boot – understandable given her journey from dumped shelter puppy to rescue to transport to my open arms. 
Her rescue angel – Dana 
This was the morning she was put on transport in Georgia
to come live with us, her forever family in CT
On the other end, 24 hours later – in New Haven, CT
where there were many tears of joy…
These ladies are amazing – they work for Grateful Doggies Transport
and drive through the night, stopping to check on and water 
and walk their charges – as they drop them off 
at various stops along the East Coast Corridor
to the waiting arms of their forever homes. 
   We started bringing Sally down to the shore right away because we wanted her to feel comfortable there too.  The first few visits were a big deal for her and she was frightened of the water.  She’s still nervous on the car ride down, but she has adjusted really well, at a year old now, to our “other” home.  I take both Frasier and Sally with me more often than not, while Ben and Bailey stay home.  Ben, our Dane,  is just too darn big at 186 pounds, and little Bailey is older and nervous in new environments so we let them guard the house while we are at the cottage.  M and I don’t yet stay overnight at Stella because I’ve got horses, dogs and chickens to tuck in at night and feed in the morning.  Mom stays for weeks at a time and some day we will live there during the summer – when the farm has less demands of our time.
Sally inspects the oyster beds at low tide.
These are submerged at high tide, and we have to be careful where we step
(water shoes a must) when we swim or go clamming.   
    Sally still thinks swimming is a terrible idea and prefers to hunt among the rocks along shore, but Frasier is a real Salty Dog – he loves the water, lays right down in it to cool off,  and occasionally comes for a kayak ride with me. 
      Speaking of boats –  Ruby and I took our first glide through cove waters on Saturday, an absolutely glorious day here in Connecticut… and it felt so good to have the sun on my face, the cool water at my fingertips.  We hugged the shore because the winds were beginning to pick up and there was some chop, a prequel to yesterday’s rains. 
   A little about “Ruby” –  I’ve tried some kayaks over the years, some fancy models, some cheapos  too – and by far, the best as far as tracking and stability and just plain ease of use and fun is my Necky Manitou Sport – I think I’ve had her for about 8-10 years now.  She’s a little heavy compared to some other models you can buy – but when you get a lighter version, you have less stability. For me it’s not worth the sacrifice to have a lighter “haul” to get her into the water.  If you are in the market for a recreational  kayak of your own and you’re not going to do any crazy whitewater or BIG ocean wave stuff – I highly recommend this kayak.  I’ve done rivers, lakes, cove and shore paddling and I just love it for it’s sturdy ride. 
** I’m not getting paid to say this – I just like it that much and feel confident to recommend it if you’re looking for a kayak of your own.  Here’s a LINK if you want to learn more. 
  An update on the baby robins on the cottage porch –   I stepped out onto said porch  to sweep the floor and the babies got startled and flew away (sorta).  I sure hope they were ready – they looked iffy.  Ugh!.. I wish I had thought of that before opening the door! 
  Meanwhile, back at the ranch… the Chipping Sparrow babies in the shrub next to the sliders are getting bigger too… to get an idea of how tiny these guys are – that piece of pale blue ribbon is thin curling ribbon their parents found somewhere – and the shrub is a boxwood, those green leaves are very small too. 
    It’s a beautiful thing, isn’t it?   
  
  Happy Memorial Day Weekend to all –  the skies are supposed to clear, we’re heading back down to Stella – perhaps for another spin around the cove and definitely to mow the lawn, which has been overfertilized by the Mr. and has been growing like Bob Ross’s hair in that old chia pet commercial.   You know the one I’m talking about, don’t ya. 
To our Veterans everywhere – deceased, retired and still serving…

I believe

       I’d like to thank each of you who drops by this little blog space, some of you have been visiting with me here for more than seven years!.. and we’ve become good friends.  While this blog’s traffic isn’t as big as it used to be, I still find the writing and sharing a rewarding experience.  I also love to read about your families and traditions, your pets, your recipes, your tips and tricks and your way of life in another part of the world we live in.  
     Who knows.. someday when I’m gone, my children and grandchildren and maybe even greats might  look over this blog to find some of my recipes or my thoughts on a subject or to reminisce about the homes we’ve lived in, the animals we’ve loved, stories of their own adventures too. 
       I love this time of year.  Even though the chores on a small farm are greater due to the weather issues, life does slow down a little in a good way, especially at night.  At This Old House we tend to hunker down in the man cave or the family room with  a seasoned wood fire crackling in the fireplace.   We settle in for meals together at the table and  are sometimes joined by the kids and their significant others.  There’s just more of that togetherness and less -out and about-.  
 
     Now that the kids have places of their own, more often than not it’s just the guy and I, and the dogs.  I miss the noise of a family all living under one roof, but the quiet has it’s blessings too, and so I focus on those and look forward to the ruckus when the kids do visit.  We are so very lucky that both of our children live near home. 
    Speaking of ruckus, our newest canine member of the family, Miss Sally – has been with us now for about six months.  We absolutely adore her and she absolutely adores her bones.  Sally is a crazy mix, a real Heinz 57.  The best guess is Corgi, Basset, Dachshund, Tennesee Treeing Hound.  All that rolled into one makes for a pretty odd looking dog –  notice the shape of her little front legs – very stocky legs, but also very deformed.  The vet assures us she’s not in pain and she gets around just fine – runs right along side the big dogs without a care in the world.   I hope that will always be true.  
      Our Family room – Christmas is coming, how I love this holiday – baking and cooking and wrapping and giving, some of my favorite things to do for others.  I love traditions that bring families together, things that remind us it’s not all about “those crazy men in Washington “-  Do you know that is an actual Santa line from the original Miracle on 34th Street movie?  Some things never change! 
     My wish for all – Whatever your struggles, I hope you find resolutions,  peace in your heart and mind. May we all experience better health and prosperity in all it’s forms,  may there be more good will and less anger among us all. 
    

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. 

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 – 

Salty Dogs

 Yesterday was one of those sweltering July days here in New England.  The humidity is what gets me, bleh.   I took Frasier and Sally down to Stella in hopes of a swim, but when we arrived – the low tide was the lowest I think I’ve ever seen it.. .and believe it or not – walking all the way across the cove to the other side would only get me less than waist deep.  So, only wading – no swimming.  We did that anyway.
 
Our beachfront consists of sand and muck and seaweed, oyster and clam shells. Lots of rocks too.  Water shoes are necessary to get out into the water to swim.   Frasier likes the water and will walk around in it shoulder deep –  Sally?  Not so much.  She was in my arms when I snapped the pic below and she continued to “paddle” until we were back up on the grass.   Here you can see the high tide mark – the dark coloring along the stone, steps and seawall.  The difference between low tide and high tide in the cove, in a matter of hours!.. is 6 feet.  That’s amazing to me. 

 M Jr. came down for supper and went clamming to enhance the meal..

K showed up after work too and together they began our next project  – clearing the many rocks that have accumulated on our little tiny beachfront so that the water can push in more sand when we want to walk out to swim or  sit in a chair there.  There are two oyster beds on either side of our little stretch of “beach”. That’s where we’re putting the extra rocks – they fortify the oyster beds. 
  While Jr. was clamming, he pulled up this little guy – whom we tossed back in the ocean after taking a few pictures…  His body is about the size of the palm of your hand, so he was a BIG hermit crab. 

 Little Sally is getting used to cottage life too –   (who remembers Blueberries for Sal? One of my favorite childrens books)  She’s got salty breeze-naps perfected. 

  Meanwhile, back in Tr*mpland, the mysterious ties and lies deepen.  I don’t even know where to begin here, so I think…. I won’t.   Drip   Drip    Drip…..

 It’s a new day, all. Let’s make it a good one –  thanks for stopping by.

Where do we draw the line?

   Every time I think — well, this can’t possibly go on, surely someone of authority will stand up and put an end to this nonsense. …every time….. nothing.   I keep calling my mother, who is very politically savvy, has been around a while and been involved in politics for many years on local levels.   I say… have enough wheels fallen off that bus yet??…   and the response is a much more patient one than my own… these things take time, Karen.  
    Well, hell… how much “time” do we all need to believe what 45 is telling us every.single.day… that he is unhinged, that he is vindictive,  that he lies, he tweets inappropriate, obnoxious absolute crap that is an embarrassment to our country, that he’s destroying the integrity of the office he holds, that he has the tolerance, patience, and virtues of a flea… and you know,  that comparison is not even fair to fleas.   Their infestation and leaching off other creatures is for survival means only.  They don’t know any better. 
   What an absolute a$$.   What bothers me more, is witnessing fellow Americans cheering his hideous behavior on.  This isn’t just about policy, folks.  I am not a republican hater, I am not a far lefter, I’m not a “Snowflake” crying because my party lost.  I don’t have a party.  WE ALL LOST when this idiot came to dismantle the integrity of our country.  He’s not making America great again, he’s dismantling it with his total disrespect.  And make no mistake, that was his goal.  That was Bann*n’s goal.. and we’re letting them get away with it.  How very, very tragic. It’s horrifying to watch if you’re a person who actually gives a shit about decency.  That word in particular.  
This latest twitter sh*tstorm with the Morning Joe show and Mika B…. I will say I think the media has taken far too much power, slanting the news toward their own leanings for a long time – that’s wrong.  I think making fun of the President’s hand size is childish.  They aren’t the leader of the free world, though.  The POTUS… should have the wherewithall to refrain from such vile responses… the world is watching. He works for We the People, not the other way around.  We deserve better… we deserve a responsible adult to respresent us, not a whining narcissistic bully. 
WTF.  W…. T…..F. 
    I adopted another dog in part, I think,  because I am desperate to see more of and be part of and encourage the GOOD in people.  This weekend I will support a rescue down in Georgia by adopting one of her charges and make a monetary donation to her rescue to help with expenses.   This woman goes without nice things so she can pull yet another of the 1000’s of homeless dogs/puppies that are throw aways.   I will meet two ladies at a commuter lot in New Haven after they have driven over 30 hours with about 30 dogs who have found a new life is waiting for them up North.  If you’re not familiar with the I-95 corridor running north to south and vice versa – it’s a jungle.  And it’s the fourth of July weekend – God Bless Them.   
   I’ll keep you posted on -Sally’s- arrival.  Not sure we’ll keep her name yet.. have to meet the little girl to know if it suits her.  She doesn’t know it as her name yet, so we’re good there.   This picture was sent to me just now by her rescue… she’s on her way to transport pick up.   I’m in love already.   See you soon, Sally girl.

   I’ll  be bold here and ask one thing of you….  No matter what your political affiliation, please above all else, stand up for  and demand truth, integrity, decency.. from our leaders.  Please don’t condone childish juvenile bully behavior.  Our children are watching, the world is watching….. the integrity of our future depends on it. 

    Be well, friends, and have a safe holiday weekend.