Things I’m Loving

It’s been a very easy summer to complain about.

The weather has been dreadful and the hours at work long and exhausting, and that has meant that finding the time to keep the Granny Cart up to date has been nearly impossible.  I begin a post and then it sits for a week, sometimes two, until I find the time to complete it.  And then, when the post is finally done, it’s nowhere near as good as I had hoped it would be.

So, in an attempt to not dwell on the negative, allow me to paraphrase Juliet:

Swear not about the rain, the near constant rain, that daily changes good dirt to mud, lest my prose prove likewise dour.

In a move that may surprise those that know me in real life, I’d like to stop complaining for a minute, and focus on the good things, because in the rare moments when the rain has stopped, it’s actually been quite an awesome summer.

So, in no particular order, Things I’m Loving, Summer 2009.

The Red Barn‘s Tiny ‘Tinis. 2 oz Martinis. Perfect in both concept and execution.

Another Fork in the Road Diner. Seasonal, local food done oh so very very right.  Anyone that reads this blog for the food should be sure to stop at this new diner for breakfast or lunch the next time they find themselves on the Taconic State Parkway (be sure to note their hours though, no dinner).

Pasta with Peas and Greens. We’ve tried every combination, Peas and Lettuce, Radicchio and Peas, Kale and Peas, Lacinato Kale and Peas, Turnip Greens and Peas, Arugula and Peas, and every one of them has been delicious.  Make sure to change up the seasoning based on the flavor profile of the greens though. Radicchio needs taming, so use long-cooked garlic and some anchovies and lots of ricotta.  Peas need nothing more than a hint of garlic and lemon juice.  Kale can stand up to lots of garlic and chile flakes and Parmigano-Reggiano.  Wilt the greens, add the peas and toss with pasta.  Couldn’t be simpler, couldn’t be tastier.  Makes an excellent lunch to take to work too.

This tart. I made mine with some pate brise I had stored in the freezer, and if I made it this way again, I wouldn’t use the egg wash. It made the crust too chewy.  But do make this tart. It is so easy and beautiful and will impress the hell out of house guests, or if you’re the guest, your host.  Serve with delicious, loosely whipped cream.

Seeds and Plants from Christina, My garden is bursting at the seams, and though I’d like to chalk it all up to my superior gardening skills, I’m smart enough to know that it helps to start with good product.  The beautiful Blue Coco beans and various greens and herbs good blog friend Christina sent me as a house warming present are growing their little brains out.  It’s so fun to muse on the flexibility of nature.  The seeds she sent me were grown in such a different location from where they’re growing now.

Monticello, And then there’s the mutability of time that seeds provide.  The seeds that I bought from Monticello are descended from stock first grown in the United States by one of our country’s great men, Thomas Jefferson.  Without meaning to sound like too much of a teenager, I mean, that is like, so cool!

and Silver Heights. And finally there’s the variety of nature, evident in the varying sizes and shapes and foliage of the tomatoes and peppers and eggplants and squash that I picked up from Silver Heights after weeks of agonizing over who to choose.  Not every plant is turning out to be ideal for my garden, but it’s a fascinating experiment.

Grazin’ Angus Beef. Beautiful steaks and “interesting bits” from cows I can see from the road and pat on the nose if I ask nicely.  The steaks aren’t cheap, but you know what? They shouldn’t be.  Most people eat too much meat as it is. I mean, this weekend I was in a Price Chopper and they were selling 18 chicken legs for $3.  How is that right?  I’d rather they sold 18 eggplants for $3.

Ocean State Job Lot. From pricey to crazy cheap, I love this weird store.  It’s like an old fashioned Woolworth’s rolled in with a Trader Joe’s and Century 21.  Some things are well priced, others are loss-leaders and some are just outright plays for money, but it’s worth the trip for the cheap terracotta pots and excellent cracker selection.

Flickr. My deep appreciation for this photo-sharing website grows on a weekly basis.  I love being able to keep track of my friends’ lives in a visual way. I love being able to leave little notes for people and to hear feedback on my photos.  If you’re on flickr too, I’d love to be a contact.  My username is martine266.

Equine Advocates. I just started doing volunteer work at this equine sanctuary, and ye gods! it’s good for the soul.  If like me, you need a horse fix, but don’t have the time/money/physical strength/balls to ride anymore, volunteer here.  A few hours once a week, or more if you have the time, is good for you and great for the horses.

Borage in my Cocktails. Pour a large shot of Lillet into a high ball glass.  Add two shredded leaves of borage, a dash of Peychaud’s bitters, a dash of lemon juice and three ice cubes.  Swizzle and then top with seltzer.  Swizzle again.  The cucumber flavor the borage imparts is refreshing and surprising.

So that’s it!  Well, of course that’s not actually it, there are many other things keeping me happy on a daily basis, too.  There’s Isaac, of course, and my family with whom we’ll soon be spending our annual week up in the mountains, and my friends and the birds up at the house and here in the city (the chipmunk that insists on tearing up the pots of herbs on the patio is, however, not making me happy) and iced coffee and sunsets and runs in the park and so, so, so many more things.

So I ask you: What’s making you happy this summer?  Please feel free to share in the comments.

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