The Queen of Summer

It's been a rough summer for our vegetables. The intense heat and mosquitos, plus our focus on the interior of the house, has kept us from visiting our garden as much as we should. However, today I saw that summer's queen still reigns! In our absence she has extended her kingdom beyond her stakes, uniting with like neighbors in masses of fuzzy green reaching every direction. Her only real competition now are the ever obstinate weeds. Under the masses of green are perfect round shapes, in all sizes and colors- green, yellow, and Ruby red! We named the garden Ruby's Victory Garden after the last owner of our home. Now I'm thinking it's a more appropriate name than we knew.

I'm thrilled she's victorious. Everything tastes better with a slice of homegrown tomato on or beside it. One of my favorites- on a turkey sandwich, which I eat for lunch quite often. When I pack my lunch these days I include a separate container with a juicy slice in my lunch box to be added on cue! On special Saturdays what's better than a classic BLT, or two if you're like Laurence! And, of course, a staple Hamilton dish- tomato cheese pie! Between my mom and myself I'm betting this dish has been made over 20 times this summer alone. I usually make it in a round pie pan, but for larger parties I've been using a jelly roll pan. Pastry, melted cheese, fresh from the garden tomatoes and basil- simple, elegant, and delicious. The queen never fails!

A Peppered Toast to Renewal

Experimenting with a new technique today.

using:

for:

inspired by:

Come out to the wine tasting and silent auction Saturday at The S&W Cafe to see my finished piece!

Summer Blues

Our summer is disappearing as fast as these blueberries did! And, I'm sad to say I didn't make a single cobbler with them. I did make one coffee cake, but most of these went into cereal or smoothies... such a summer delight! Anyway, before the heirloom pumpkins turn our kitchen orange, I thought I should post about our blueberry picking this July. In addition to our adventure in Halls at The Fruit and Berry Patch- see treasure map above, we harvested about 4 cups of blueberries in our own backyard from three little bushes lining the fence. We're hoping to add more fruit bushes and trees to our landscaping, but the blueberries are a beautiful low-maintenance addition, perfect for beginner edible landscapers like myself. We also planted two blackberry bushes but didn't have as much fruit from those as we hoped- maybe next year we'll have enough for my favorite mixed berry tart, a la Betty Crocker.

Dog Days of Summer: Go take a hike to get out of the heat!

A calm and reflective Lu takes in her first waterfall. This didn't last long.

The fern and moss blanketing the ground here is enchanting.

Autumn is coming!

Some tired and content girls.

Here are a few photos from our hike at Falls Branch Trail, one of the few areas of virgin forest remaining in the Tellico District of Cherokee National Forest. I'm always amazed at how much beauty there is so close to Knoxville. We get so bogged down with house work and gardening and traveling, thankfully I was asked to write and illustrate an article about hiking for the Appalachian Voice! I'll take any excuse to get out and enjoy nature... and get paid for it! My article will be published in the fall issue of the Appalachian Voice- I'll let you know where you can pick up your copy when they're distributed so you can read more about our fun adventure to the falls. Until then, go take a hike!!

Summer Sounds

"I explore, too, with pleasure, the sources of the myriad sounds which crowd the summer noon, and which seem the very grain and stuff of which eternity is made. Who does not remember the shrill roll-call of the harvest-fly?" - Henry David Thoreau