Relish Summer

Andy made a pact with himself at the beginning of June to cook our dinners on the grill for the rest of the summer. So on Tuesday and Wednesday nights (his days off) we've been luxuriating in the pristine Santa Fe weather all evening - listening to some rockin tunes (you should see Gram dance), working on our yard, drinking wine, playing with Chaco, and basically just kickin it while Andy waits for the coals to cool down to start cooking. I know, I'm a lucky woman.

I'm usually responsible for salad, but sometimes he does that too. Last week we had some friends over which was a great opportunity for me to try out a peach dessert for the summer menu. People ask me all the time if I make goodies for my family all the time and the answer is a definite "no." A point of contention in my household. But when there are guests, it's time to bust out the rolling pin. I tried a recipe for Peach Creme Fraiche Crostada. Here's the final product.

It was not entirely what I expected - not to say it wasn't good. So I started from there and adapted the recipe for my own purposes and am quite happy with the results. At work, we serve it with a housemade peach ice cream and a some honey macerated blackberries.

Neighbor Rob informed me yesterday that his peach tree is heavy with fruit so it's pie time again!! So in a week or so I can make the new and improved version for our July Pie of the Month - check back for that recipe.

Haven't mentioned quilting in a while mostly because I've been too tired after the boys go to bed to do much of anything but read, which, by the way, has finally re-entered my daily life. My neighbor gave me a huge stack of books at the start of the summer that she was going to take to Good Will and I've nearly read them all. Some good, some not so good. The best so far is The Master Butcher's Singing Club by Louise Erdrich. The worst probably Homebody by Orson Scott Card - he should stick with the fantasy genre.

Anyway, I'm on the binding process of my Old Red Barn quilt-along quilt which may take weeks since it's done by hand. I also made a smaller, lap sized quilt with the scraps and some pieces of white chenille - very cute. I'll include photos when they're done.

The kids are great - we took Chaco to show and tell today at school which made Finn very proud I think. Funny how egalitarian children can be . . . they showed about the same excitement for a Betty Boop swimsuit as they did for the puppy! Also no wonder they do it right before nap because by the time the entire circle had showed us their rocks, stuffed animals, Transformers, and so on - Andy and I were about ready for nap and Chaco was fast asleep.

A Lovely Monday

Gosh it's been a week already - so why did it seem so long and slow? Boys were back in school today. Hurray! Oops, did I say that out loud? You know I love them rascals silly but, um yea, I need some time alone . . . sabes?

Many things accomplished today: hike with Chaco . . .

Wait a minute . . . have I not properly introduced our newest family member - the most adorable, perfect puppy on the planet . . .

CHACO !!! 15 weeks and already 30 lbs!Look at that face - who does that remind you of? I know, right?I am one happy mama. This pup is so amazing! He followed me right along the trail today; right at my right heel without the leash. He sleeps on a blanket next to my bed all night. He does his thing outside no problem. We've got some work to do with the begging for food and listening in general, but really I feel like I can't complain. Isn't it great when you have a good gut feeling about something or someone and it turns out you're right? I love it when that happens.