Strawberry Time
June 7, 2012
Today’s Special: Malted Belgium Waffle with Fresh Strawberries and Whipped Cream, and Bacon, Ham, or Hash Browns.
Looks pretty, tastes good. But the thing is, I can’t figure out how it got to be June and fresh strawberry time. It doesn’t seem possible. It was just April five seconds ago. Actually, it was just December, and I was looking forward to Christmas and putting ornaments on the tree a few at a time for a week so as not to get overwhelmed and discouraged at the scope of the project. (No, it wasn’t a twenty foot tree, just a somewhat scraggly spruce that fit easily in the living room.) I was waiting for winter and I’m still waiting for winter. I still find myself thinking, When winter starts–
But it never really did and now it’s June, and I’m baffled somewhere deep inside myself. Despite this, life keeps hurtling forward. In June so far some of my favorite moments have been quiet ones: Sitting in the sun on the beach at home reading Olive Kitteridge with Sallie dozing at my feet and a kingfisher swooping along the shore chittering. (In some consternation at my presence, I suppose.) Laying down after work and listening to the birds sing in the trees close outside the window. Putting wild blueberry jam in the centers of the lemon oatmeal cookies and then drizzling glaze over top. Making Great Grandma Daisy Butcher’s molassess cookies for the first time since March (I think) of 2011. Sitting in a comfortable chair on a quiet evening talking with a friend about Life, and how life is change, always. Throwing sticks a little distance into the big lake for Sallie and watching her eyes light up over and over as if this stick and this lake and this morning are the very best thing ever, every single time.
Sallie barking at snowflakes in February, another moment that seems just past and forever ago at the same time.
Category: Today's Special | Tags: Daisy Butcher, Olive Kitteridge, reading, summertime 13 comments »
June 8th, 2012 at 4:17 pm
Could I have both of those cookie recipes…? They sound delicious!
June 8th, 2012 at 5:01 pm
I think of Grandma Butcher’s molasses cookies often – wish I was near enough to come have one with a cup of tea and you!
Giving Prairie Evers to a 12 year old friend for his birthday tonight! Hope he enjoys it.
June 8th, 2012 at 5:05 pm
It’s always a welcome sight to see a new post of yours noted on my Facebook page. I’ve never been disappointed. I enjoy your writing style so much. You transport me to each situation described. Your openness, friendliness, honesty communicate to me. Even when writing about your most hectic days, there is an underlying calm, or security, or surety of life that touches me. I”m not sure what it is. I’m just moved. It’s a momentary escape, a glimpse of an authentic life lived well. ??? I don’t know, but I’m kind of tearing up here just writing this. I never pass up your posts. It’s always refreshing, whatever you write about.
By the way, I tried making your Great Grandma’s molasses cookies and did not have the success I expected. It was a while ago. If I remember correctly, they were too sticky to work with. I’ll have to try again. Probably use more flour. I love a good molasses cookie.
Speaking of heirloom recipes . . . Our daughter is getting married in July. I’m copying all my recipes of food I’ve fed her regularly over the years. Then she’ll have her family history in food. A few of the recipes hark back four generations.
Thanks for your writing, Ellen.
June 8th, 2012 at 10:05 pm
Isn’t that just the best thing about dogs? Pat Sally for me please, Ellen. She’s onto something.
June 9th, 2012 at 9:31 am
That was sooooooooo nice.
June 9th, 2012 at 11:00 am
Mary, Sure! You know they are ancient family recipes anyway! : ) Love, Ellen
June 9th, 2012 at 11:01 am
Sheri, Me too! That would be really great. Someday, okay? I wish Grandma Daisy could know how beloved her cookies are, all these years later and so far away. Love, Ellen
June 9th, 2012 at 11:03 am
Barb, You’re way too kind. I’m glad you like the posts so much. And I’m sorry those cookies didn’t turn out very well. A few other people have said the same! Grandma Daisy never wrote a recipe down and neither do I, normally, so maybe I wrote something wrong unintentionally… Did you chill the dough overnight? I always do that. All best, Ellen
June 9th, 2012 at 11:03 am
Suzanne, It is the best thing about dogs, and she definitely is onto something! : ) Ellen
June 9th, 2012 at 11:04 am
Barb and Ron–it was a lovely evening– : ) Love, Ellen
June 9th, 2012 at 12:52 pm
Note to self: Check in barn for netting before strawberries ripen and birds get them all.
Kick in the butt to self: Get outdoors with Sarah NOW!
Ellen, you’re the best! I’ll be on TV 7&4 (Traverse City) Tuesday morning, and PRAIRIE EVERS will be with me.
June 9th, 2012 at 2:34 pm
The molasses cookie recipe is in the blog about G.G. Daisy Butcher. On the right side of this page, under Categories, click on Recipes and Food. You’ll find it there.
June 9th, 2012 at 5:18 pm
Pamela, I think YOU’RE the best! Someone’s bringing your Prairie poster to Northport on Tuesday, I think. Tuesday or Wednesday. Thank you for taking her on TV. !! Wish I could see you!