Special Deliveries

How could such sweet and wholesome hours
Be reckoned but with herbs and flowers?

Andrew Marvel, English poet and politician (1621-1678)

I received a couple of unexpected gifts this week that have brought much pleasure this weekend. My aunt provided a large bouquet of sweet basil, the fragrance of which still floats in my kitchen. I christened my food processor by making a large batch of pesto, part of which was immediately consumed with gusto and part of which was frozen for future pleasure.

Regarding pesto, a few week's ago friends from Britain shared with me an article entitled "25 recipe ideas for leftover pesto" published in the Guardian. As he noted "leftover pesto" is an oxymoron for most of us; however, just in any case my kind readers may want some savory sweet inspiration, I provide the link to the article for all to take delight in this heavenly herb.

And speaking of cases, I actually won two bottles of wine during this Spring's "Get Fresh" oenological tour. They were delivered in an unmarked white van in an unmarked box to protect my reputation among the neighours who might question special deliveries of alcohol to the door. I won't say what percentage of the 700 ballots had my name on the them, but I will say that "Get Fresh" and "Wrapped Up in the Valley" are a couple of highlights in my calendar. I am already looking forward to November's event.

Of Rains and Rainbows

Where does the rainbow end,
in your soul or on the horizon?

Pablo Neruda, Chilean poet-diplomat (1904-1973) in The Book of Questions

I have been watching the rain in its many different forms for most of the day. What an awesome and wonderful surprise to find myself gifted this evening with a magnificent rainbow -- a double one, in fact. Looking out my window, the child within beamed inside and out. The fabulous vision transported me . . . over the rainbow.

Stynke or Bust

Garlick maketh a man wynke, drynke, and stynke.

Thomas Nash, English poet and first husband of William Shakespeare's granddaughter Elizabeth Barnard (1593–1647)

I look forward to Friday night dinners because I can indulge in my love of garlic and have two days to 'recuperate'. Tonight I harvested some basil from my window herb pot and delighted body and soul with a bowl of fresh pesto. A divinely inspired combination. What's more, I find the working of the ingredients between mortar and pestle to be very satisfying.

While Mr.  Nash may not have approved of my meal, I am supported by Mrs. W. G. Waters, who published The Cook's Decameron: A Study In Taste, Containing Over Two Hundred Recipes For Italian Dishes in 1901 and wrote, "Garlic used as it should be used is the soul, the divine essence, of cookery."

Moreover, as an added benefit, tonight I am protected from any vampires. ;-)

Happy Birthday Canada!

Canadian pride may not rest on our sleeves, but it resides deeply in our hearts.

Steve Miller

I am not sure who Steve Miller is or under what circumstances he spoke but he succinctly captured our laid-back spirit and belief in our great country. Parades, fireworks and speeches are all well and good but what better way to celebrate the homeland than with a backyard barbeque with family.

Happy Canada Day!

Awesome Beauty

There is peace even in the storm.

Vincent van Gogh, Dutch painter (1853-1890) in The Letters of Vincent van Gogh

I sat in the comfort of my little abode watching a tremendous tumult churn the heavens. I could enjoy the drama from my safe roost. And now, less than an hour later, the sky is calm and the birds are chirping their evensong. Hallelujah!

T.G.I.F.

Turn off your mind, relax, and float downstream.

John Lennon, English musician and songwriter (1940-1980)

Blue skies. Warm temperatures. I am so looking forward to shutting off the cell phone as the long, Canada Day weekend opens relaxing vistas. My imagination has been diving into Corona's subway ads on my daily commute and bringing a smile.

Road Trip with an Old Friend

A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles.

Tim Cahill, American travel writer

Schedules finally enabled long-time friends to get together for long - almost continuous - chats, whether over good food, amidst a corn field, across a picnic table, inside village shops, beside a harbour or while motoring hither and thither across the countryside. The heartwarming weekend restored some vigour to this old soul.