Vacation

This is the time of year that many families travel and take their summer vacation. Generally we wait until school is back in session to take a trip, but made an exception this past week when a friend visited from Minnesota.

We spent several days relaxing and enjoying our garden and then ventured northward toward our destination of Vancouver, BC. I will not bore you with the details of getting there, but will only say that we spent one evening at Birch Bay in Blaine, WA. Or as my husband and I may say on occasion, we spent two nights there, our first and last. My apology to those who live there for I mean no harm, but we see no reason to ever go back... and the local residents may also prefer that. ;-)

Our thoughts were that Blaine is located at the northwest corner of Washington... within close proximity to the Canadian border... the largest part of our drive would be behind us, and more quality time could be spent touring Vancouver.

Dinner at the best spot was mediocre and out of whack considering the price. Well, let us be positive and simply say that the view of the water was very beautiful and calming, and the three of us continued to enjoy our time together.

The next morning as we headed out we saw no signs for I-5, so we stopped at a gas station to ask the best way to cross the border. We were directed to go straight down the road, cross over the bridge and we would be there. We did as instructed, but there was nothing to be seen. So we found another establishment and were told to turn right at the stop sign, left at the next sign, back into Blaine, right, right, another right... there were no signs to be seen. We stopped a motorist who pointed toward the direction we should take. Finally! a sign for I-5. It was for SOUTH only!

After 25 minutes of asking directions, circling around a town with a population of 11,000, we finally made it to I-5 north and were headed to Canada. All I could think of was the Kingston Trio and "Well, did he ever return? No, he never returned and his fate is still unknown... poor ole Charlie... he may ride forever 'neath the streets of Boston (Blaine)... he's the man who never returned".

I will post again soon on our experience in Vancouver.

Our Independence

July 4, 1776, the greatest day in the history of the United States, was the day of declaration and proclamation of independence from Great Britain.

John Adams wrote to his wife:

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.

But it was on the 4^th of July that Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence was adopted by Congress.

Today is a day that many families get together to have outdoor picnics and barbecues, play softball and gather to watch fireworks. It truly is as John Adams suggested.

Hopefully this is also a day that we all stop and think about this great country in which we live and give thanks for all those who sacrificed their lives, in addition to the young men and women who today continue to give of themselves, so that we may enjoy the freedoms we have been given. We should remind ourselves to take a moment in our day, look around at what we have, and be thankful. We are truly blessed.

Lavandula

When asked, "Which are your favorite herbs?", the ones which immediately come to mind are basil, cilantro, rosemary, thyme, garlic, cumin, tarragon, cayenne... and one which can sometimes be forgotten, but high on our list, is lavender, and not just any lavender, but English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia.

There is Spanish lavender, French lavender, Yellow lavender, something called Lavandins... all that come in various shades and colors and an array of heights, but L. angustifolia 'Hidcote' is overall number one in my book. Compact, highly fragrant, and brilliant dark purple flowers make this a special part of our garden.

Full sun and good drainage are requirements, and after it blooms cut back the spent blossoms... not much to satisfy in a plant which offers so much joy.

Placement along a border or at the edge of a path allows the wonderful scent to permeate the air as you brush past it as you stroll along in the garden.

Many enjoy drying the flowers and using them in arrangements, potpourris, or as decorative upside down bundles hanging in a country kitchen. Honey, aromatherapy oils, lotions and soaps all come to mind, but we offer a few of our favorite uses.

I'd rather be in the garden, but if you must work inside, try crumbling a few dried flowers on the carpeting and vacuuming over them so you enjoy a most pleasant scent as you work your way throughout the house.

Consider a simple recipe sometime this summer: Blanche some fresh green beans on high heat in boiling water for just a few minutes. Drain, dry, and then quickly saute the beans in a little olive oil, blanched almond slivers, and freshly ground pepper for a few moments longer. (We like a little diced garlic too.) Sprinkle just a few fresh lavender blossoms over the green beans, combine gently and quickly and salt with some kosher salt. What are you waiting for? Serve.