The Journey of Grief

 

If you have followed this blog for awhile you know I have a deep passion for poetry. I remember the sadness I felt when I learned Mary Oliver had died. It was hard to imagine I would never read a new poem she had composed.

When I read her poems I can relate to her experiences, subjects, and beautiful images. Often her poems read more like a conversation. I picture myself sitting on a bench with her listening to her well-chosen words.

The poem above is one of my favorites of hers. Because of events and changes in our lives, we sometimes begin a new journey. Like the line in the poem says, 

"determined to do the only thing you could do- determined to save the only life you could save. "

I am going to work on saving my life. I am ready to embark on the journey of understanding my grief. My husband has now been gone for eight months and I miss him every day. Thanks to Hospice of North Idaho I have found someone to help me mend my life.

Keepers From the Recipe Box: Favorite Summer Salads and a Refreshing Cocktail

 During hot weather I am always looking for salad recipes that don't heat up the kitchen and are refreshing to eat. Here are a few of my favorite salad recipes. I hope you try one.

My first favorite is Pineapple Cucumber Salad. When I looked at the ingredients I just didn't know how all those ingredients would go together. They do and it is so refreshing and delicious. Every time I have served it, it has been a huge hit. It pairs well with a grilled protein. 

For the full recipe go here: https://www.momontimeout.com/pineapple-cucumber-salad/

Pineapple Cucumber Lime Salad

Ingredients

• 1 pineapple chopped
• 1 English cucumber chopped
• 2 limes zested and juiced
• 1/3 cup cilantro roughly chopped
• salt and pepper optional

Instructions

• Combine all ingredients and toss lightly to distribute the lime juice and zest evenly.
• Season with salt and pepper if desired.
• Serve immediately or keep chilled until ready to serve.

Another salad recipe I just love it Mexican Shrimp Cobb Salad. What is not to like?

Here is the whole recipe: https://www.skinnytaste.com/mexican-shrimp-cobb-salad#more

Mexican Shrimp Cobb Salad

INGREDIENTS

For the Shrimp:

• 16 oz cooked large shrimp, peeled
• chipotle chili powder to taste
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• salt to taste

For the Salad:

• 6 cups romaine lettuce, shredded
• 15 oz black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup grilled corn kernels, I used Trader Joe's frozen roasted corn
• 2 tbsp red onion, divided
• 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
• juice of 1/2 lime
• 1 seedless cucumber, diced
• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 1 ripe hass avocado, diced
• 1 cup reduced fat Sargento Mexican Blend shredded cheese

We all need a refreshing cocktail. Here is White Cucumber Sangria.... so yummy and refreshing.

Here is the recipe:https://www.bhg.com/recipe/cucumber-sangria/

Ingredients

Ingredient Checklist

• 1 small honeydew melon
• 1 seedless cucumber, thinly sliced 
• 1 lime, thinly sliced 
• 12 fresh mint leaves
• ¼ cup lime juice
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 750 milliliter bottle Sauvignon blanc or other semi-dry white wine, chilled
• 1 1 liter bottle carbonated water, chilled
• Fresh mint sprigs and/or leaves (optional)

Directions

Instructions Checklist

• Step 1

  Cut the melon in half; remove and discard seeds and rind. Cut melon into thin slices. In a large pitcher* combine melon, cucumber, lime slices, and the 12 mint leaves. In a small bowl stir together lime juice and honey until combined; pour over melon mixture. Add wine, stirring gently. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours.

• Step 2

  To serve, stir in carbonated water. Ladle or pour into glasses. If desired, garnish with additional mint.

Ten Ways to Cope With Summer Heat

 I remembered today why I have had difficulty enjoying summer the last few years. It has been too hot. I can live with a few days of weather above ninety degree, but day after day after day? Then add the smoke and hot wind. Ugh. Here are some ways that might help you cope with the heat this summer:

1. Take the Ice Bucket Challenge from 2014 again in your recliner with a fan blowing on your face.

2. Lay in front of the air conditioner and watch Frozen for the twentieth time.

3. Hide in the basement until summer is over.

4. Build an igloo in your yard and sit in it until it melts. I am hoping for at least 24 hours.

5.  Buy one of those big ice machines like they have in restaurants and sleep in it all day.

6.  Do your gardening, deadheading, and weeding when the weather cools down after midnight. Use a head lamp. When I tried it in the dark, I pulled up all my sunflowers, cosmos, and zinnias by mistake.

7. Cool off Zooming in the kiddie pool instead of the makeshift home office with no A.C.

8. Take a cold shower for three days.

9. Eat only snow cones, ice cream, and Mr. Freezes. Oh... and maybe an icy adult beverage.

10. Move to  Antarctica.

A Quote That Speaks to Me

 I just love quotes. I used to read them and type them on an old typewriter in my bedroom in high school.  I would then paste them on my bedroom wall for inspiration. 

I often introduced quotes in lessons with my students. Now I can search for quotes online any day and find ones that speak to whatever is happening in my life. The one below is a perfect example.

There have been a few bumps in the road for me lately. I am ready to look forward and believe this quote. Something amazing is about to happen. I am ready.

Do you have a quote that speaks to you?

My Dream Vacation

 

One favorite on the outskirts of Harrison, Idaho.

When I was a child my family didn't go on vacations that required staying in motels and eating in restaurants. When dad had time off we went to my grandma's house in Spokane or my grandma's house in Orofino. That was a vacation to us. We did fun stuff while at both places. I have fond memories of those summer vacations.

I am not much of a traveler to faraway places. The only foreign country I have visited is Canada. I only flew in a plane with my husband once, and it was only to Portland, Oregon. I still want to travel to the northern coast of Washington and see more of the Washington and Oregon coasts. I always thought I would like a cruise to Alaska, but never convinced my husband it was a good idea. Our favorite vacations were traveling in a car or RV.  The photos throughout this post are some favorite vacation rentals we discovered.

This is a perfect getaway on the Clark Fork River south of Hope,Idaho.

I wanted to stay there this fall , but is was already booked.

This was our favorite spot in Mazama. We rented it twice.

What is my dream vacation?

First I find a vacation rental in the Pacific Northwest. I prefer a cabin or beach house. If it is near water that is a plus, but not a requirement. A dog friendly home is a must. A bedroom on the first floor is a must also. It helps if the house is fully stocked. If I am traveling during cold weather I love having a fireplace or wood stove. I bring my favorite foods and beverages, but love trying restaurants if they are close.

A favorite in Montana between St. Regis and Quinn's on the Clark Fork River.

I think of a dream vacation as a retreat. I take books, my journal, my laptop for writing, my camera, and Riley my dog. I sleep in, go for walks, drive to close places and take pictures, read, write, dream, and think. I have a retreat like this planned in early fall. I can't wait!

That is my dream vacation. What is your dream vacation? 

Here is a room in the cabin I am traveling to in September.

Garden Stories: Mom's Memory Garden

 

I had a friend visit my backyard for the first time this week. Showing her my gardens and decor I realized that my gardens hold stories. The gardens tell stories of people, stories of special furniture that traveled with us, and a whole collection of gifts from friends and family that are placed all over the yard.

After my mom died in the summer of 2017 I knew I wanted to do something to honor her in my backyard. We had a strip of space between my house and my brother's that Everett suggested he add another flower bed. Mom's Memory Garden was born. I moved plants from her gardens, decor she treasured, and added gifts from friends and family. 

Lady's Mantle from her garden.

Mom loved lilies.

A rose planted in her memory.

It has been a joy to watch this garden flourish in the last four years. I have added other plants and flowers to the garden. I picked flowers that Mom loved. 

Year one

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