Along Williamson Road...

Populated with all manner of businesses, Williamson Road is considered by many of the residents of this city to be an eyesore because of the jumble of signs and building signs that predate ordinances. Living on side street in a quiet neighborhood off Williamson Road I have come to enjoy the charm and earnestness of the area. Today I took a walk along the road with the intention of delivering a package to a friend that works in an office that used to house the automotive department for Sears but apparently arrived a few minutes late because the office was closed. Oh well, I had a great five mile walk and snapped some photos along the way.

One more...

While reading this column earlier today, I was reminded of a man twenty years my senior I worked with a few years back. Following his example, I learned to be at ease with my southwest Virginia upbringing and my unmistakable accent. If only all lessons were so positive...

A couple of quick notes...

Here is the recipe for the zucchini muffins several people have requested ....

I need to ponder this a bit .... what is the honest motivation here?

In the Kitchen...

Last night, I grated eight cups of zucchini to freeze in two cup quantities to be used for zucchini muffins.



One more to go...and now the tomatoes are arriving...

Zucchini continued...

Cold Sesame Noodles are one of my favorite summertime dishes - the zucchini and carrots add just enough crunchiness and sweetness to offset the heat of the crushed red peppers.



I grew up making many casseroles for the family dinner using canned mushroom soup. This zucchini cheese casserole is reminiscent of those comfort foods but somewhat lighter with the addition of whipped egg whites and sour cream subbing for the soup. I added onion and mushroom, used quark made from my home made yogurt as a substitute for the sour cream and skipped the bacon.



Two remain...

Garden 15.07.08

At Leisure

Finally a stay at home weekend .... I put this knitted square in the mail for a charity afghan project. For those of you who knit you will recognize the aran design and the somewhat intricate work necessary in making this square. I need a challenge from time to time in my knitting. I tend to made easy, repetitive items that require little concentration and can be worked while talking or watching a movie but a project requiring more attention helps in maintaining and further developing my skills.



After a short but challenging run/walk up and back Mill Mountain I headed to the Roanoke City Market. I picked up the fresh ingredients for my dinner - eggplant, peppers, tomatoes and fresh bread. I admired these garnet raspberries although I did not purchase any.



I did bring this cheerful trio of sunflowers home.



The above mentioned vegetables along with basil, thyme and rosemary from my garden and onion and garlic from the grocery compose this delicious ratatouille.



That yellow bloom from the renegade plant in my garden,well, here it is today - a watermelon perhaps? I shall see...

Mid July Child's Glove...

Must have been some cold air conditioning in that minivan...

Another glove - single this time

Another glove to add to the collection...

Muffins for Everyone

Remember these?

I used one of these in making 72 muffins to take to work tomorrow.
Looks as if I'll be looking for more creative ways to prepare zucchini squash...

Oneirology

I vividly remember the morning I read of Susannah McCorkle's suicide...

More...

Zucchini continue to multiple...


And I wait in anticipation of what this volunteer plant may produce...

Local Harvest...

Onions and the first green beans from my backyard garden...

Honey harvested from a friend's local hives...

Catnip I've clipped for a friend's harlequin kitten...

Craig's Creek

Last weekend my husband and a group of his friends meet for their annual golfing/canoeing/fishing/card playing weekend on the banks of Craig's Creek in Eagle Rock, VA. We put in the canoe at this store with the colorful sign promoting their rib dinner night....
The creek level was down considerably so a bit of creek walking was done...
This couple were relaxing Jimmy Buffet style...
An Airstream lurking among the vegetation...
I did some knitting while sitting in the creek post canoeing....
Oh, I neglected to mention bonfire building is also part of this tradition.