In an effort to make more things from scratch, I decided to “feature” a different cookbook each month. For June (I’m getting a bit of a head start), Jesse picked “Mad Hungry Family” by Lucinda Scala Quinn. The tomato/corn dish above comes from it. I’m looking forward to trying some new things and getting some more use out of my collection. (Also little tip: I just put my corn – husk and all – in the oven at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. I let it cool and then husked it. Worked like a dream. No fiddling with silks.)
I made a stop at the library. I had some donations for their book sale and since I was I browsed the aisles. I picked up a few things that were on my “to be read” pile, a book that as come up in conversation a few times and jumped out to me as I walking to find another book (I’m thinking it’s the universe’s way of saying I should read it), and I put some things on order so that I’d have to go back. I’m hoping to make a routine of it (with the kids). It’s hard to explain, but I’ve never really clicked with the vibe of the community library here. I’ve never had that experience at a library before (I mean, BOOKS) so I’m going to keep trying to overcome it.
Haven’t picked up any knitting this week at all. It’s too hot. I did find an embroidery project that I think would be fun to tackle. I’m pretty sure I have all the required supplies but the pattern. I haven’t pulled the trigger on it yet because I’m up to my eyeballs in school year end stuff and other things, but as soon as I can clear the docket for a fun project, I think that will be it.
As for television, haven’t been watching a bunch. I’m trying to set a good example. I really, really want to have the whole family go screen free for at least a week this summer and see if we can do it. I’ve noticed a *huge* behavioral/attitude shift in one of my kiddos since we hooked them up with Minecraft and I don’t want to spend all summer arguing about screen time. I miss the days when I was the one solely in control of the remote and it stayed off for days at a time.
Basically, things here are boring in the best possible way.
I need to take a page from your book and attempt to go screen-free for a stretch as well. We’ve gotten into a terrible habit with our various screens 🙁 .
I’m also glad you mentioned the book sale at the library. My daughter purged her shelves a few weeks ago and I’ve got two huge piles of books to deal with. I was debating bringing them to a second hand store, but that’s just too much work for too little money. I need to find out when our branch library is having their next book sale — it’s great to support our libraries, even if we ourselves can’t seem to click with them! (I’m really lucky — our library is in a heritage mansion, a walkable distance from home.)
Oh, it’s way too hot for knitting here as well. Argh, I hate summer. But like you, I’m trying to read more, so at least I can read without feeling guilty that I’m not knitting. I’ tried to take a look at the embroidery project you want to get started on, but the link isn’t working.
Have a good week, Kate!
Thanks for pointing out the broken link! I think I’ve fixed it now. I don’t hate summer (I pretty much love all seasons – except when winter is around -4o°F) but this week was HOT. It’s been a few years since swimming during our Memorial Day weekend holiday was something we actually WANTED to do but this weekend it definitely required.
Screens are just far too easy. I sat down to pay bills, got that done, and then managed to waste a good hour on…nothing. I’m all for a good Pinterest search or blog reader catch up, but lately it’s not a conscious choice as much as a mindless habit. I paused my FB account a little over a week ago and I’m going to see if I can go the whole summer without using it. I just really need to break the cycle.
I’m *SO* jealous of your library. I could probably bike there, but would have to either cross a six lane highway or go down a terribly long and steep hill (which scares me on a bike in my “old” age) so I drive and parking is a pain. I’m trying to warm up to the building. It’s very “midwestern modern” – lots of wood, kind of dark, not a lot of windows, lots of fluorescent lights. It’s not the ugliest library I’ve ever been in, but close. And they don’t seem to do a very good job brightening it up. I don’t know, I guess I’ve always found libraries to be CHEERY places (even when they were academic) this one seems kind of dreary. But I can check out books for free, so I should stop complaining. 😉
Hope your week goes well. How did your final end up going?
The link is now working, and that’s SUCH a cool pattern! I have to say I kind of love how there are trees up where Canada would be 🙂 . It’s striking all on its own, but I can see how it would be easy to modify it to make it completely your own, by perhaps adding little motifs in each state. That thought reminded me of this:
http://www.talesfromahappyhouse.com/2017/08/an-embroidered-holiday-diary-france.html
Thanks for asking about my final 🙂 —I’m still waiting to hear how I did. I’m in the middle of my second course now and the third starts next week, so I’m trying my best not to stew and to just keep moving forward.
Our branch library in Duluth was similarly uninspiring…but we went because, yes, free books 🙂 .
I LOVE the link you sent. How very, very cool. I may have to figure out something!!
It sounds like you’re quite filled up with classes!! Keeping my fingers crossed for you (though I’m sure you did well.)
Oh, Kate! I was so thrilled to see not one, but three posts from you. I only have my phone which I hate commenting on, so this will be brief. Just wanted you to know mybheartbleapt to see something from you in my blog reader. I’ve missed you! Your kitchen is fab! I’ve been moving, so I know a bit of how you’ve been feeling. I promise to write more soon, somewhere.
Oh, how lovely to hear from you! I saw that your house sold on FB before I turned it off for the summer. I hope your move is going smoothly – as smoothly as those can go. I can’t wait to hear more from you!
I make a corn salad that looks about like yours. Just need some fresh corn to make it!
I try to go screen-free every so often. I rarely turn on the TV so that’s not a problem for me, but I do check-in on my phone as a mindless habit. It’s odd because I don’t fear missing out, but I do fear appearing rude to other people by not responding back asap.
You remind me that I need to get all our unwanted books in one place and then get them out of the house.
My son said to me this morning before heading off to one of the summer activities, “You’re more of an indoor watching TV than a take me out golfing person.” and well, I’ve resolved to be less of that this summer. In part, because that isn’t the example I wish to set but also because that isn’t who I want to be.
And I agree with you on not appearing rude – the immediacy that cell phones create can be a blessing and a curse. Lately I think more curse. But I’m trying to untether.