Enthusiasm

"The Greeks understood the mysterious power of the hidden side of things. They bequeathed to us one of the most beautiful words in our language—the word 'enthusiasm'—en theos—a god within. The grandeur of human actions is measured by the inspiration from which they spring. Happy is he who bears a god within, and who obeys it." Louis Pasteur

Penultimate Post

September 24, 2010

Its nearly 80 degrees outside, a gentle breeze, acorns falling on the tin roof make a racket, yet, the dogs are so accustomed to their clatter this month they barely quiver.

I have just washed my saffron velvet scarf and put it to dry on a rack on the deck…everything is saffron-colored outside, the overhanging trees, the fern below in the Japanese garden, the sun at this hour, the chrysanthemum dotting the landscape, filling in for summer's display.

Autumn is a sensual time. Near body temperature. Burnt, crisp, dried leaves, rust and gold. Smelled melon. A detumescence. Squash, pumpkins, under the influence of orange.

Although orange is a combination of red and yellow, and shares some attributes of both, it is less aggressive than red, "calmed by the cheerfulness of yellow."

My nod to Christmas

Japanese Lanterns have the perfect architecture. Here they rest in a little bowl of salamanders Tim Christensen made, the potter who lives and works in Roque Bluffs.

Bentley Jr. and Tilly are real exercise hounds. Every time I put on my shoes they dance around like circus animals. November 3rd was a frosty morning but they are getting "harden off."

Time to bring in the tomatoes. I brought some green ones in a few days ago and managed to ripen them in a brown bag in the closet. Now I have even more. Dana found "the best" fried green tomato recipe on line. Think we will try it tonight should be a good accompaniment to mushroom quiche. The sad part about finishing off the tomato plants is they were still blossoming!

Fast forward to November: I have had a life-changing experience with Swiss Chard. I didn't like it much but was seduced by its beauty so I planted it in May. It has been producing ever since. I discovered a number of wonderful recipes, mainly in Greens' cookbook, San Francisco. My favorite is chard sauteed with garlic and onion in olive oil, mixed with plumped raisins and currants, toasted walnuts and finished with browned butter over noodles grated hard cheese.

Fast forward to November. I have had a life-changing experience with Swish Chard. Never liked it until I put some in my garden in May because it was so beautiful. It has been producing ever since so... I have researched some great recipes. Mainly from Greens cookbook in CA. One of my favorites is with sauteed garlic, onion and chard over noodles with toasted walnuts, plumped currants and raisins, brown butter and lots of grated hard cheese. Yum!

Back to August: Ren, Maura, Renny, Ella,

Dana and I went to the beach in Cape Elizabeth.

The kids had a ball collecting jellyfish.

Isn't this the most incredible photo of the

jelly fish in a red bucket?

The grandchildren are growing fast so I think an update is in order

After I tried Tad Hooper's (chef and owner of Legume Bistro, see website link) pickled ramps I had to try some myself. I doubt I will be able to wait 2 weeks before eating them. They are great with a soft cheese and Luna Bread from Micucci's.

The garden a month later. See May 3 post

What a way to end May

I wonder what an egg from this chicken looks like.

Snug Harbor Farm in Kennebunk is worth the visit,

A mighty oak grows from one seed, right?

Marsh marigolds & violets top

Bill Hutchins' Sunday salad.

Made from early spring baby

bok choy, baby spinach and

radishes from his garden.

Nature, almost envious of the good she has given us,

Tells us often and gives us notice that she cannot

For long allow us that scrap of matter she has lent...

She has need of it for other forms,

She claims it back for other works.

Jacques-Benigne (1627-1704)

Blooms

We've been too long without flowers

Bear wardrobe for Ella

Joseph Conrad Heart of Darkness

Joseph Conrad Heart of Darkness