We have moved back to New Hampshire. I wasn’t so sure that the time was right but I guess it was. Packing up was a big project. We emptied the fridge, put things away from the screened porch, and prepared the house to be closed up for a few weeks. I am neurotic about making the bed with clean sheets, emptying the fridge so that no food goes bad, putting the plants outside, lowering the temperature in the hot tub, making sure the boat is tied up just in case, and generally making it closed up but not too the point that we couldn’t come back when we wanted to. It has been some years since we have had to do the semi-closeup but it went well. I say that but I am not so sure. It seemed like there was a lot that needed to be taken care of. However, we are “home” and settling in. You should have seen me organizing the cats and dogs so they had their space and then working on our space too.
Update up at Lakeside Cottage
John has been painting all week. He painted around the front door and the ceiling over the doorway. Then he painted the chair and the little chest of drawers that sits there. They used to be turquoise and are now the green of the trim of the house. I didn’t get a picture and I am not happy that I didn’t. It looks so nice. He has worked so hard to make it look good and I can’t give him a picture credit. So instead I give you a picture of the flowers that Libby bought me last weekend. They were beautiful. She has discovered the Farmer’s Market and looks forward to going there to get those things that she likes. So glad she likes flowers.
Fall is Coming
Noticed this week that the trees are starting to turn. This is one of those trees that turns early on. I couldn’t help but take a picture of it. Pretty sure it will be done when we get back.
Walking This Week
I had an amazing week of walking. In fact, I did 37 miles this week. The dogs thought I had lost my mind but I was determined to get out there before heading back south. We walked the woods, we walked the village and we hiked the big Dean Road walk. It was just wonderful. I felt the best I have felt all summer. My cousin has created a new path for his mountain biking that works pretty well for us for walking. Here is Bean on the path. It could not be more gorgeous and let me tell you the air is invigorating. Take a look at Bean, even she feels it. Oh my we are so lucky.
What you See in the Woods
I don’t have much to say about this except it is beautiful. Not sure what the plant is but the sun was shining on it in just the right way and I had to take a picture of it. You never know what you will see in the woods. Magic.
Speaking of Magic
My brother took this picture of the sun setting over Lake Massawippi. Where we are at our house we never see this. We face the East so we get the sunrise but we don’t see the sunset. How special it was to be on the East side of the lake looking West when the sun set on Friday night. I gather there is smoke in the atmosphere which is causing the incredible colors.
A Recipe to Share
As you know we have lots and lots of zucchini. Time to make some soup. Here is a good recipe to enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 2/3 cup vegetable stock or low-sodium broth
- Julienned raw zucchini, for garnish
Directions
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter in the olive oil. Add the onion and garlic, season with salt and pepper and cook over moderately low heat, stirring frequently, until softened, 7 to 8 minutes. Add the zucchini and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the stock and 1 1/2 cups of water and bring to a simmer; cook until the zucchini is very soft, about 10 minutes.
- Working in 2 batches, puree the soup in a blender until it’s silky-smooth. Return the soup to the saucepan and season with salt and pepper. Serve it either hot or chilled, garnished with julienned zucchini.
NOTES:
I cannot let this week go by without acknowledging the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Being a Canadian and a Monarchist, I have been glued to the television since Thursday. We knew this day would come but it still was a shock. We celebrated her Platinum Jubilee in June and now she is gone. Also, today is the Anniversary of 9/11. Again, it seems impossible that it has been 21 years since the day that changed everything. Three years ago we were in Gander, Newfoundland. Peace to all. I hope that I won’t take any day for granted. We are blessed in so many ways.
