Our Hammock

Now, doesn't that look inviting?  
Summer is in full swing here and with it comes grilling outdoors, harvesting yummy tomatoes from the garden, and seeking shade beneath the trees.

We have eleven beautifully mature trees on our lot and it was their presence that made us fall in love with the property.  Our hammock is strung between two oaks.  The hammock hooks were inserted decades ago and now the trees have healed around them such that the bark has engulfed much of the hardware.

We have an arborist, Patrick, who comes to check our beauties every few years just to make sure that they are clear of dead wood and growing strong and healthy.

He does a wonderful job.

This is the view looking up.
Our indoor space is so small, that being able to live well outside is important.

And we do....we know these trees so well they are part of our family now.

This glorious canopy of summertime shade makes cleaning up autumn leaves totally worth it.

Jamboree

Last weekend we went to Bellingham for the Subdued Stringband Jamboree.

The trip was inspired by Jonah's Aunt Whitney*.

*We actually refer to Miss Whitney as Uncle Whitney; a name my husband (her brother) affectionately bestowed upon her....after she thought that the competition for favorite Aunt was too steep.  It's darling!

The Jamboree was an absolute delight.

We were pleasantly surprised by how kid-friendly the venue was.  The setup was similar to other multi-day festivals with several performance stages, foods vendors, and room around the perimeter for folks to camp.  But unlike some of the more raucous events we have been to in our younger days, this event really lived up to it's subdued name.  The music was not ear-splitting loud, nor were the attendees inappropriately intoxicated.  The vibe was super mellow, kids were roving about, picnic blankets were shared, people were sweet and welcoming of Jonah.  It felt more like going to huge family reunion where, even though you may not know everyone, you share something common and there is a warmth that doesn't normally exist between strangers.

The Jamboree takes place in the farmlands just outside of Bellingham...and Mt. Baker is a short 1.5 hour driver further.  During one of Jonah's naps we took the opportunity to drive up there.  This photo is taken from, the appropriately named, Picture Lake.  That beautiful mountain reflected in the lake is the 9,131 ft. high peak just NE of Baker called Mt. Shuksan.

Back at the Jamboree we enjoyed more music and Jonah got to try his first Contra Dance.  His favorite part was having his turn as the head couple with his partner, Uncle Whitney, and sashaying down the center of the two lines while everyone cheered.  Wish I had a photo of that!

Warm sunshine, Whitney, and her man, Robert, performing on stage.

Jonah has taken up modeling the drink koozie for the Jamboree.  

Don't worry....the beer bottle was empty.

Jonah had a blast and we plan to return next year.

Jonah getting cuckoo for the camera.

   

Happy Summer!  Thanks again Whit!

Refrigerator Pickles - Small Batch

I was recently inspired to make a batch of Refrigerator Pickles by my friend Trina.  We have had a few hot days here and it makes the cucumbers and zucchini seem to grow inches overnight.  I can't keep up sometimes and surprise, I have a giant pickling cuke to deal with.

After working so hard to have a happy & prolific garden, I loath to waste anything...but sometimes I don't have enough veggies to make canning worthwhile.  Getting a water bath going for a single jar is a bit much, especially in this heat.  So I love the idea of having a large vessel of brine in the fridge for pickling those rogue cucumbers.  Since our fridge was a little tight on space last week, I opted to make a small batch (one pint) which also worked splendidly.  I suggest Trina's approach if you have the room--here is her lovely blog post.  My modified recipe for an individual batch is below.   

Refrigerator Pickles - Small Batch

makes 1 pint

1 cucumber

1c. water

1/2 c. cider vinegar 

2 heaping tsp. of pickling/canning salt

4 small garlic cloves, peeled (I used my garlic from this season...isn't it pretty?)

I didn't have pickling spice on hand, so I used:

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, 1 teaspoon dill seed, 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns 

Wash and slice your cuke into wedges or disks.

In a small pot, combine vinegar, water and salt. Bring to a simmer then turn off heat.

Put spices and peeled garlic directly into the empty jar of your choice.  Pack the cucumber into the jar.

Pour the brine into the jar to cover your cukes.

Apply lid and let the jar cool. When the jar has returned to room temperature, place it in refrigerator. Let it sit for at least 48 hours before eating.

If I don't put a sign on them, I get tempted to snack on them too early.

Ready to eat!  They are great!  The pepper really adds a bit of zing.

Enjoy.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

Time has flown.  

Jonah is a little boy now, but he will always be our baby.

At 13 months Jonah likes to.....

swim

walk everywhere (no more crawling!)

eat whatever Mommy and Daddy are eating

roll and play catch with balls

feed himself with a spoon or fork (with help)

request bath time

point

dance to music

play with Daisy (he calls all dogs "Daisy")

kiss his refection in the mirror

go camping

sign "more" & "all done"

suck on his pacifier and ice chips

play peekaboo, tickle games, and get chased

dig in the garden

read books and help turn the pages

Jonah dislikes.....

holding still on the changing table

Mommy leaving the room

getting into his carseat

steamed broccoli

I can only imagine what this next year will hold.....something tells me it is going to be fun!  

xoxo