Archive for ‘May, 2010’

Other lilacs

I picked lilacs yesterday and arranged them in a Mason jar.

They made me remember lilacs given to me in a large white pitcher – 6 years ago. My memory of those lilacs – overflowing the pitcher and filling the house with their fragrance is a vivid memory.

About this time of year, 6 years ago, I had a horse riding lesson, given by my neighbor in my own round corral. In a freak accident getting on the horse, I suffered a depression fracture of the tibia and was ordered to keep my weight off my leg – be on crutches – for 6 weeks. I stared at the doctor, incredulous, and said that was NOT possible! At the time, I was running a growing art pack and ship business single handedly, had 2 acres of lawn and garden around my house, a dog and 2 cats, and my programming work. There was no way I could be on crutches for 6 weeks!!!

Stop laughing!

I went home and called everyone of my acquaintance and told them that I needed someone to help me with everything from gardening to cooking to cleaning house to packing and shipping art. And I prayed – a lot!

Two women, friends of friends, responded. It was miraculous. Two women who had flexible schedules, who needed flexibly scheduled part-time work, who were both able and willing to do anything I needed – they were there and we worked out that one of them was with me from 10-3 every day. They gardened, mowed, trimmed, cleaned, cooked, learned how to make the boxes that I made for the art shipping – in short, they were my legs for 6 weeks. I concentrated on my programming work which requires no legs. It worked.

In the process, one of the women in particular, became a friend as well. She has 5 daughters and they helped too – playing with Karl, brushing Karl (no small task in the spring), the 14 year old mowing with my lawn tractor ( a 14 year old wants to drive so badly, she will drive anything!), raking the lawn, picking up sticks and generally being just a pleasure to have around.

And one day, she arrived with a white ceramic pitcher filled to overflowing, with lilacs from her yard. That pitcher of lilacs sat in the middle of my dining room table and filled my house with fragrance and the love behind the gift. I doubt that I will ever forget that gift of lilacs and the joy that they and she and her daughters brought me.

Yesterday, as I arranged a few sprigs of my own lilacs in a Mason jar, to sit on my window sill, I remembered other lilacs.

Raindrops on Lupins

Lupins after a rainshower hold water in their centers and often along the leaf edge…you can see how the leaf edge could hold small raindrops.

The droplets sparkle in the sun, catching light and reflection. I cannot resist them.

Rhu-Bob

From reader Pat in East Tennessee came a recipe for Old Fashioned Rhubarb Torte.

I took a piece and a cup of coffee out to the front porch this morning. It was cool and drizzly, so I finished it inside.

I had some help.

Rhu-Bob. (say it :)! )

OLD FASHIONED RHUBARB TORTE from Pat in East TN.

1 cup all-purpose flour, divided
5 Tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
pinch of salt
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar (original recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups sugar. Pat suggested 1/2 that amount and I agree – PLENTY sweet with 3/4 cup)
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3 cups sliced fresh or frozen rhubarb

In a mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup flour, confectioners’ sugar and salt. Cut in butter as for pastry. Pat into a 6×10 pan (I use a 9×9) and bake at 375 for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, beat the eggs, sugar, remaining flour and baking powder. Fold in rhubarb and spread over baked crust. Return to oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Cool. Add a dollop of whipped cream if desired.