
Oh, what a summer it has been. Quite stormy, I’d say. If you have been following my family stories, you know what I’m talking about…
My father passed away 3 weeks ago after months of being very sick. I can’t still digest this fact and the only time I have to think about it is late at night before going to sleep.
My mom visited us for a month after three years that we haven’t seen her (with no connection to my father at all as they got divorced when I was a baby) which is a long time to be living in one’s family room, regardless of if you’re having fun together or not.
My son is on summer vacation from school and we spent almost every single day together for the past 6 weeks and there’s another one to go (but who’s counting?) before school starts.
After my father’s death and my mother’s return to her home, we went on a very much needed little summer vacation with the kiddies. Needless to say, although it was lots of fun, a vacation with little kids is not for rest and relaxation. I’m happy to be back home.

And brought a little souvenir from our trip, real Canadian maple syrup

But by now I feel very tired and stressed. All this family “stuff” has been keeping me so busy, too busy, that my head is spinning and I feel so drained. I am so ready to get back to our usual routine. To keep afloat, I’m trying to stay positive and focus on things that make me happy because otherwise, I could go crazy. The simple pleasures of life are filling me back with energies and bringing back the desire to write, to be productive, see people, go out, invite friends over, celebrate… Live.
Like stopping by a farm stand and buying the freshest corn that was picked that very morning at a local farm! 10 for $2! Support your local farmers.

And stone fruits that are the sweetest I have tasted in a long long time.

And although the tomatoes in the backyard were not watered for a week while we were away, they waited for us on their vines, ripe and waiting to be picked
and were good and sweet and juicy
Same as these most amazing plums!

But like after any vacation, there is A LOT of laundry to do, grocery shopping, and running errands. A nice quick and light lunch is the best for the day after. Like a good meal after a vacation hangover. Full of summer goodness and sunshine that was soaked into the food.
Quick summer lunch
Corn on the cob quickly cooked in the microwave with a light sprinkle of salt
Simple sandwich with your favorite bread, deli meat, avocado, mayo and/or a drizzle of truffle oil
Fresh mozzarella
10-minutes-ago picked cherry tomatoes
Building our little backyard garden with a raised bed and planting and seeding what grew up to be lettuces, arugula, fresh herbs, and tomatoes really paid off. We enjoy it so much. Next year we might even try raising corn! Now we’re waiting to see what happens with these melons. I hope they will provide a sweet ending to my crazy summer.

The end …

…
![]() Sweet summer heirloom tomatoes soup |
![]() Summer, food, choices |
Blueberry Hills farm, Manson, WA |
Categories : Family, Farms, Spring and Summer, Urban garden















10 Comments
Dana
August 30th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
I hope you are going to the mommy event tomorrow. It sounds like you need some pampering!
Dana´s last blog ..Heading to the Mountains
Vicki
August 30th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
So glad to see your post again.Its healing time.
veredgy
August 31st, 2009 at 2:52 am
Summer is crazy, winters are harsh.
Come to the middle east where life is “so simple” and food is really soooooooo much better.
Natasha - 5 Star Foodie
August 31st, 2009 at 7:06 am
Glad to see you back online and hope you are doing better! Gorgeous photos!
Natasha – 5 Star Foodie´s last blog ..Tarragon Lobster Cakes with Spicy Papaya Queso Blanco Sauce
Katrina
August 31st, 2009 at 8:47 am
So glad to see you getting settled back in. I know that there are no words that can be given that will make the pain lessen. Just know that in time, the good times will be the ones you will look back on and the bad ones will have gone away completely. You’ll be able to smile again.
Katrina´s last blog ..Heavy Heart and a Promise
Nicisme
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Nice to see you back, what a year you’ve had. Hopefully things will improve. Your photos are lovely and making me wish it was the beginning of summer again!
Vered - Blogger for Hire
September 5th, 2009 at 9:01 am
I am very sorry for your loss.
Totally agree on supporting local farmers! We try to go to the farmer’s market every chance we get.
Kelly
September 5th, 2009 at 10:43 am
OH look at those lovely little maters! Good to see you back and at it again
*big hugs*
Diana
September 22nd, 2009 at 11:17 am
Oooh great idea, I haven’t tried drizzling truffle oil on a sandwich before, I’m so going to do that for lunch tomorrow.
Diana´s last blog ..Roasted Acorn Squash Seeds and Mozzarella Salad with Tiki Spice
RV
October 5th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Nice to see you back, what a year you’ve had. Hopefully things will improve. Your photos are lovely and making me wish it was the beginning of summer again!