June Grass

From the novel I read on the porch tonight:

Through my window I could see low weedy meadows beyond the CNR tracks, purply with June grass. I could see a bit of the Wawanash River, still fairly high, and the silvery willow trees. I dreamed a nineteenth-century sort of life, walks and studying, rectitude, courtesy, maidenhood, peacefulness.

-Alice Munro, Lives of Girls and Women

Cold Suppers

I don't have a name or even a very specific recipe for this salad. But after the third day of 90-plus degrees in a row (and teaching in a classroom that resembled a greenhouse), this is what I'm in the process of making tonight for supper. It's cool, hydrating, and easy-peasy.

It varies slightly based on what I have on hand, but here's what I toss in:

1 package cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cucumber, peeled, quartered, and cut into slices
1/4 red onion, minced or three scallions, thinly sliced
balsamic or red wine vinagrette dressing (my Uncle Len has an amazing homemade recipe I must obtain and post on here)
sea salt to taste

Combine above ingredients and mix thoroughly. Chill in non-reactive metal or glass bowl, covered. Just before serving, add:

1 avocado, cubed
2 heads Boston or Bibb lettuce

Enjoy with a main course hot off the grill, or alone with a glass of white wine. Great for lunch the next day.

Yellow Lawn Chair

Another print on my wish list. Green, Vermont, summer come to mind. Just lovely.

By Groundwork.

City House, Country Mouse

It's going to be 94 degrees here in Boston today. I wish I was a few hours north, where it's verdant and cool. I bet the dogs do, too--- they're sprawled out in a very dirty bathtub.

This picture was taken a few weeks ago near my grandmother's house.

Shop Sale Ending on Saturday, June 14

Just a heads up that the sale currently be held in the shop will end on Saturday, June 14th.

The shop will close temporarily and will relaunch in September with brand new items. Did you know you can keep an eye out by subscribing to the shop's RSS feed? Just click the link and look in the bottom right hand corner.