While an endless stream of work flows across my desk – for which I am grateful, albeit bone tired – I noticed not everyone was quite as frazzled as I. In fact, some occupants of this household were completely oblivious of anyone’s efforts to keep their food bowls filled, beds washed, litter cleaned, etc.
It was all I could do not to lie down and nap in that sunshine.
“If I had to sum up Friendship in one word, it would be Comfort.” ~Terri Guillemets
As I opened my front door this morning, I noticed a visitor between the door and the porch railing. At first I didn’t see him as he was camouflaged against the naturally weathered wood of the decking. He turned to look at me.
“Never mind,” I said. “You keep going and I’ll water the plants a little later. No rush.”
He took that quite literally. It was about an hour or so later that he finally made it to this side of the railing. I knew if I’d gone out when I planned, he would have been stampeded by next door’s two cats who would be eager to see me. The plants could wait.
My neighbor came over to gift me with three gorgeous peppers from her garden, and then, having gotten my camera, we admired the mantis. While we were talking, Pumpkin, one of the cats, came over to see me, brushing by the praying mantis without even seeing him. The poor guy was in total defensive position, front legs straight out and apart and trembling all over. What amazes me about praying mantises is that they don’t get out of harm’s way; they face it head on. Considering their size, that’s pretty brave.
After being petted, Pumpkin went back to lie in the sun and the mantis continued to watch me. I sent him good energy and assured him he had nothing to be concerned about. He soon tucked himself under the railing and began stalking some insect, his front legs in the prayer position, and moving so slowly it was barely perceptible. I went around to the outside of the porch for another photo. He turned that triangular head to me and resumed the defensive position.
“Bring it on,” he said.
“Only with my camera, little dude,” I replied. So after a couple shots I turned away and so did he. I’m sure he calmed down and resumed his hunt.
Here’s why the praying mantis is so fascinating –
Mmmmm … summer fruit pies. This one is Peach Crumble Pie courtesy of Martha Stewart’s Everyday Food. I really was determined to not let the summer go by without making one fresh peach pie or dessert. I would love that my schedule afforded me more time to bake, but alas … I made this one!
Ready to go in the oven!
I now remember why I don’t make fruit pies that often, too. They are really time consuming, (unless you’re in the habit of baking regularly.) One of the pluses of this pie is that it didn’t ask that you peel the peaches, so that was a small time-saver. Another is that it is quite low on sugar. Only 2 teaspoons in the butter crust, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar in each the peach mixture and the crumbled topping.
The recipe said to bake an hour to an hour and a quarter. The hour was just right and the edges of the crust are a nice brown and not at all too done.
And it’s delicious, not too sweet!
Here’s the recipe for Peach Crumble Pie on Martha Stewart’s web site. Enjoy.
I’ve always said it doesn’t take all that much to make me happy, so if I can drive to my local farmstand, buy wonderful fresh produce, and photograph it as well? Hey, that makes me happy. Hope these photographs taken at Phillips Farms in nearby Holland make you happy, too.
Plants, herbs and usually fresh flowers are for sale
Oscar keeps an eye on the stand and promotes the whole “Jersey Fresh” concept. I’ve suggested they try him at the edge of the road to promote business, but really, you either know where the farmstand is or you don’t. Located on a typical 2-lane blacktop in the middle of a variety of farms, it’s not the most highly traveled road.
Tomatoes of every kind. They had some Brandywine tomatoes; I don’t know what they are, but I got home and wondered why hadn’t I gotten some to find out? There’s always a next time, and tomatoes are still coming in. In fact, early Gala apples were already in.
Beautiful produce of every kind plus berries and greens in the nearby fridge. If only I had a parallel life I could just cook and bake with all this fabulous stuff. Although I didn’t photograph the peaches, I did buy enough to make something delicious over the weekend.
Corn! Today they had bi-color, which as long as it’s sweet makes no matter to me.
Hope this inspires you to go find or visit a farmstand by you this weekend and enjoy what nature has to offer while it’s still summer. Before you know it, it’ll be fall and the apples, squash and pumpkins will be in!
Perhaps one of the most notable landmarks in Hunterdon County, NJ – if not the most notable – is Clinton’s Red Mill. It is rich in history, the museum grounds host all type of events including historical reenactments and music festivals, and annually, the museum itself offers one of the best known and most frightening Halloween hauntings for miles around. It is also one of the most photographed landmarks. Meeting a friend in Clinton over the weekend, I took the opportunity of photographing it myself from a few angles.
From the Leigh St. bridge
From the banks of the South Branch of the Raritan River, on which the mill sits
From a small park along the river further north
Should you visit Clinton, it will be hard to miss the Red Mill, but if you check their web site, you can time your visit with one of many events either at the mill or in the lovely town of Clinton. (I see the museum is showing Hugo outdoors on August 3!)
Note: All photos/drawings/art/images throughout this blog are © Jeanne Balsam and may not be reproduced without written permission. Thank you!
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