Happy Sunday to all you fabulous Sunday Letter readers,
Is it too soon to start counting down to fall? I swear the heat and humidity has been so bad I can see it creeping onto the back porch in the morning and pressing its hot breath against the window of the back door.
Sometimes, like now, I miss the pool we built at our Dallas house.
Before I continue with this week’s Sunday Letter rambling, I know someone will ask what’s up with the sign above the door in the picture above. So I’ll go ahead and tell you.
The sign says Unity House. Our friend and former East Dallas neighbor, Marcia, gave us that sign when we left Munger Place and moved back to Arkansas. Our Dallas home on Worth Street (which we LOVED and miss!) was built in 1910. Like most of the homes in historic Munger Place, it lived many, many lives before we were honored to call it ours for thirteen years. By the 1970s, the house had been divided into apartments and served as a home for recovering alcoholics. It was known as Unity House. Those interested can read about the redevelopment of Munger Place Historic District, with a reference to the relocation of the residents of Unity House, HERE.
The sign provides a reminder of our time in such a special place in Dallas. And, maybe it’s a reminder to us that we shouldn’t drink too much, especially during this corona-summer.
Blueberry Cucumber Salad
Don’t you love all the fresh produce available this time of year? This salad I tossed together turned out to be a fresh and flavorful way to add a little brightness to your plate. Its healthy and easy to make too (i.e. summer requirement).
Ingredients:
Fresh blueberries
Cucumber, diced
Mint, chopped
Feta, crumbled
Salt and Pepper, to taste
I just eyeballed the ingredients, so I don’t have exact measurements for you. Combine, toss, serve chilled or at room temperature.
I happen to love feta cheese; if you don’t, leave it out. The combination of cucumber, blueberries, and mint makes a great summer side even without the cheese.
Tiny Frog
We have the cutest little frog living among our Italian zucchini vines. He reminds me of the little green tree frog that lived in Momma’s bathroom at the farm for years. (His name was Freddie.) A story for another time.
I’m obsessed with him.
Can you see him in the photo below?
How about now?
He’s no bigger than an almond.
I’ll probably call him Freddie.
Seems fitting.
Here he is in action:
This has definitely been the year for wildlife in our yard.
Fayetteville Farmers’ Market
John and I went to the Fayetteville Farmers’ Market for the first time during this crazy summer of the COVID. It’s a scaled down version of normal with limited entry and exit points and less vendors to choose from, but still a GREAT way to spend a Saturday morning.
Dogs aren’t allowed during this time, and, of course, masks are required. The goal is to encourage people to get what they need and move along (which allows more customers to shop). While this summer’s market doesn’t have the entertainment-like atmosphere of past years with live music and food trucks, it still provides a fun opportunity to do something semi-normal again with other Fayetteville folks. And it’s nice to know we can be safe and still help local farmers. Yay for that!
We bought a sweet-as-sugar cantaloupe, a quart of blackberries, fresh green beans and a bag of cucumbers. It felt like Saturday again for the first time in a long time.
FYI – The Fayetteville Farmers’ Market also has online ordering, delivery and pickup options, and takes SNAP payments.
A Rare Bird
Yesterday, we thought we’d discovered a rare bird species when we stepped outside and heard the oddest birdcall. So unique! It wasn’t the typical coo of the mourning dove or the familiar songs of our cardinals and robins.
What is that?
A weird bird.
I’ve never heard it before.
Me neither.
Maybe we’ve found a new species?
Maybe he’s migrating?
We were walking to farmers’ market, obviously in the direction of the bird’s perch because its next call was louder. We looked into the trees above the sidewalk.
John did a really decent imitation of its call.
It called back!
How cool.
I was beginning to envision a bird like this=>
But no. The thrill of possibly discovering a new Fayetteville species was not to be.
We soon realized the noise was coming from one of the city e-scooters that are EVERYWHERE around town including in our neighborhood. I’m not sure why it was making birdcalls though—they are normally silent—maybe it had not been properly powered off?
Anyway, mystery solved. Ha.
Things Momma Says:
(Momma will have to insert something witty in the comments. I’ve got nothing.)
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Stay cool and safe, Sunday Letter friends. Until next time,
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
Funny about the scooter bird! We have gone the last 3 Saturdays to the Farmers Market. So nice to have one tradition restored. Everything else seems pretty much mundane.
Yes it’s a great thing to be able to go to the farmer’s market again.
I love your little frog! We have been feasting on garden fresh veggies grown by our generous neighbor. I give her flowers and she gives me vegetables. Green beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers and potatoes. I’m the winner by far. I thought your mystery bird might be a starling. They imitate other birds. I’m waiting for something momma says.
I guess Momma had nothing to say… That’s a great arrangement you have with your neighbor.