Dear Sunday Letter Peeps,
We are having the craziest summer here in Northwest Arkansas. Our temperature this morning is 69 degrees! I’m savoring every pleasant breeze and every crack of thunder. This past week we had two days of unexpected rain showers, too. All the critters and plants are standing taller and smiling brighter this morning.
Bowl of Memories
Don’t you love how one perfect taste of something can hold the power of time travel? The first juicy bite of these Rainier cherries took me home to the farm, to the backyard, where once upon a time three cherry trees grew in a row. Two little girls climbed those trees, practically lived in those trees on summer afternoons. I’m pretty sure if Momma and Daddy had locked my sister and me out of the house for an entire week (which they probably considered a time or two), we could have survived quite well on the fruit. Sweet plus a little tart and warm from the July sun, we ate them by the grimy fistfuls.
Birthday Eve Eve
Today is my birthday eve eve. Yes, birthday eve eve exists in my world of counting-down-to-things. I look forward to my birthday even though another trip around the sun puts me closer to my last trip around the sun. I believe the closer we get to our destination, the more we should enjoy the ride. And it’s okay to take a few side trips, too.
In My World
Speaking of my world, last week was a productive one for me. I wrote, edited, and submitted a freelance article by the due date. Checking something off the list always feels good! I finished my book edits to the point that I’m ready to plop it on my editor’s desk. YES! Yesterday, I attended a local author event, chatted with readers, sold a few books. And I still pinch myself that I get to do this for real.
Wild Kingdom
Our Momma cardinal did such a good job raising her first brood of spring babies, she’s built a second nest two feet from the kitchen window. Round two of our swallowtail caterpillars had begun. I counted eight chowing on my dill yesterday.
This morning started with a dose of excitement when Annabelle cornered Bambi in our backyard.
They had a stare-down. Bambi was still and completely unruffled. Annabelle, however, discovered a different sort of bark, a this-is-no-ordinary-squirrel bark. Lucy raced over to provide backup.
In one graceful leap, Bambi jumped the fence, stood on the other side, and continued staring at Annabelle, Lucy, and, by now, John. The idea that Bambi has discovered our jurassic hostas makes me sad.
School Kitchen Tip
Cake is done when it shrinks from the pan and stops hissing, or when a straw inserted in the center comes out clean. (The School Kitchen Textbook, Mary J. Lincoln, 1917, Lesson XXV Cake Making and Baking)
Wishing you a productive, life-is-a-bowl-of-cherries week, with rain if you need it, and a side of birthday cake.
Your friend,
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
P.S. July 11 is National Rainier Cherry Day. Of course it is.
Musical Pairing:
You have celebrated many birthdays at The Lake. I wish I could find the picture of you standing on a chair blowing out two candles. Ricky Lucius was a guest at the birthday party. We were neighbors with the Lucius family in Wilson. Two sleeps till birthday!!! HIP, HIP, HURRAH
Loved your nostalgic description of cheery trees and hearing about your birds, butterflies and Bambi’s visit. I can see you two girls up in those trees! Your yard is beautiful. I hope Bambi doesn’t do too much damage. I haven’t forgotten your birthday, but your card will be late for reasons you’re aware of.