Late August 2007

“WHAT’S COOKIN’?”

Surprise Visitors, a TEA Party, &

A Smashed Wind Shield!

Natalie and I chatted on the phone a bit after she arrived back home from another adventure. I filled her in on the accident that did a number on my car and she quickly suggested a Girl’s Time Out and invited me up for TEA. As Joe had his appointment at Bainbridge VA Clinic in the morning, I asked if that afternoon would be OK. “No problem. I’ll wait for you.”

Joe’s appointment went very well and that was a plus. We had time to stop at the Sidney Kmart and I got a few items that I had not been able to get since our Oneonta Kmart had closed. Joe even picked up a charger for his screwdriver that he had been wanting.

I had just enough time to get myself freshened up and took off for Natalie’s. She was waiting on the porch. As usual she always has a lovely table setting with embroidered tablecloth, napkins and unique napkin holders, and her lovely pink Depression Glass tea set. I felt like a princess. She had spent the afternoon making little tea party sandwiches with a variety of flavors one of which was Salmon and cream cheese. We enjoyed just visiting and catching up. Before I knew it, several hours had passed. We vowed we would do it at least once a month.

Joe and I had harvested the zucchini, tomatoes and beans. We were blessed. I spent the afternoon blanching much of them for the freezer. I decided to make a Country Kitchen favorite for Joe-stuffed zucchini! I took one of the larger ones and sliced it lengthwise and scooped out the center, putting it is a large bowl. While making some rice, I sautéed some ground beef and drained it. I then simmered diced onion and peppers and added that to the bowl with Joe’s tomato sauce. I mixed it all together with salt, fresh ground pepper and a touch of mustard. After mixed it all well, I then spooned it into the waiting zucchini. I added a slice of bacon on top of the four large sections. I added a little water in the bottom and covered the pan with foil and put it in the oven. I had enough time to fill a colander of veggies for the next door neighbor, Peg Seybart.

I had never seen her out and Joe said she was an older lady and didn’t get out much. I thought I would introduce myself and give her some of our bounty. Her dog barked as I neared the backdoor. Soon she opened the door a crack and I introduced myself and told her I had some fresh veggies from the garden for her invited me in. She was very appreciative and thanks me several times. When I asked her if she would like more next week, she said, “Oh, yes, my daughter is coming from Virginia for a visit and I know she would enjoy them.”

Later on in the conversation, she said that she would be moving to an apartment in Oneonta, as living in the country was getting too much to for her. I felt good that she was so taken with the veggies and said I would bring some more next week and left to check 9on my baked zucchini.

The phone rang, but I was unable to get to it and the caller hung up. An hour or so later it rang again and this time I got it. It was Marlana, Joe’s sister-in-law. She was calling from her cell phone. She and hubby, Ron, were headed in our direction from Orlando, Florida and wanted to stop for a visit.

“Sure, no problem, Joe will be pleased to see you,” I said. ’We will look forward to seeing you.”

I thought-what a stroke of luck that I made the stuffed zucchini. We would have plenty for everyone. I proceeded to straighten up. Perhaps I could convince them to stay over.

They arrived just a half an hour after the zucchini was done and after a brief chat, we all sat down to eat. They loved their dinner. I convinced them to stay so Joe and his brother could be together. The next few days were exciting.

They had left Orlando about 7:30pm the night before and driven 19 hours straight, each taking turns driving. They slept in the next day and when they got up, I made Eggs Benedict! They were happy campers.

“What do you have planned for yourselves today”, I asked.

“We are going to call Real Estate folks and look at some properties” Marlana said with excitement in her eyes. She did just that, but no one could see her on short notice so Ron and she got in their car and took a ride that lasted all day. They covered a lot of ground. I told them about the possible property next door and they said they would stop and see.

Saturday afternoon at about 4pm, we all went to the 25^th anniversary part for Joe Jr. and Cheryl and their daughter, Jenna, who just turned 16. Joe and his wife worked for days preparing for this event and my, they worked hard. Joe roasted the elk he shot on his hunting trip and it was GREAT. Everyone bought a dish for the buffet and you name it, it was there. It was a wonderful party and Ron and Marlana enjoyed being with family and friends.

Nature’s Scene: Leaves on the trees are turning and the wind dislodges some for flight. We have one lone Robin on the lawn this morning. In fact, there are few birds now. The garden is winding down. The peas, zucchini, broccoli and beans are almost done, BUT the tomatoes are at their peak. Even the lawn has quieted down. September is just around the corner.

This Sunday was the Otsego County Lutheran Church Picnic and we were to have church service at 11am at Gilbert Lake and a picnic afterwards. Ron and Marlana, although they would like to go sometime, decided to stay home and take a walk etc. Joe and I headed out, running a little late, when Joe said, “We are on empty!” He thought we would not make it to the lake and back. We felt bad, but we didn’t want to go for the picnic without going to church so we went to Joe’s.

Joe and Cheryl stopped by to say goodbye to Ron and Marlana and ended up taking us all for a ride to see the area and what Real Estate was available. We were surprised at the number of properties were available nearby. Ron and Marlana were excited and perhaps their dream to move back to New York is in their future.

“Did your ever feel that there was a big black cloud hovering overhead and following you wherever you went?” Well Missy says she has one! She had just gotten her car out of the shop at which work had been done. She was going home when the hood flew open and came back smashing the windshield. She was able to safely stop the car. The repair shop did not latch the hood! Bear this in mind when you are picking up your vehicle from a repair shop.

Thought for the Week: Save a little time during the busy work week to go for a walk, relax out near the garden and just enjoy the surroundings. If you can, take that boat out one last time and perhaps catch a bass. Summer will be gone soon and the memories will have to last through the winter.