Sunday, August 10, 2014

A taste of August: blueberries, super moons and rainbows


I adore August.

While the stores may already be hawking their back to school wares, I am still focusing on warm summer days, the tomatoes in my garden, the bounty at the Farmer's Market, and the shenanigans of the hummingbirds at the feeder.

Yesterday morning Barry and I went to the market to buy a flat of blueberries and a dozen ears of corn, two of my most favourite things to eat in the world.  We were empty nesters for the day - the daughter had gone with friends to Halifax and son was at work all day, so we just enjoyed the day, despite the frequent sun showers and the herculean task (or so it seemed) of choosing upholstery fabrics for our dining room chairs - more on that on a post to come.

My favourite blueberries are Tuddenham Blueberries from St. Stephen:




This is pure nostalgia on my part, since my grade one teacher was Mrs. Tuddenham (long gone now) and she was a tough taskmaster, but a stickler for learning and learn we did.

I am not so bold or foolish as to say that Tuddenham Farm blueberries are the best blueberries in the world, just that they are the best blueberries in the world for me!


The berries are positively voluptuous....

 Paired with some Greek yogurt, this was my lunch yesterday.



Later in the day Barry made the most delicious beet/goat cheese risotto, another recipe from the new Luca Manfe cookbook, and it was divine, though sadly we forgot to take pictures!

Every half an hour yesterday, or so it seemed, there was a rainy deluge, and each time, the sun was shining brightly.  It was beautiful.  There is nothing so refreshing and gorgeous as a sun shower.

Towards the end of one of the showers later yesterday, Barry looked out and there was a rainbow emanating from our yard!

I've never seen one so low before - typically they are higher in the sky around here.  I took this as an omen of good luck, though to be honest, it was such a nice day, that was luck enough!



And apparently tonight is the last, and best super moon.  Fortunately, our skies have cleared and it looks like the perfect night for a viewing, if I can stay awake late enough!



National Geographic has a nice article to help you get the most out of your experience here.

The Perseid showers also begin this week, though the super moon is expected to hamper our ability to see the showers to their best effect.

Fortunately, living outside a very small city, with almost no streetlights, we can expect a show and I plan to put on the bug dope, wrap myself in a warm blanket and grab a nice glass of Baileys and enjoy the show.

How is your August going?  Have a lovely Sunday and stay safe out there!

xoxo wendy



19 comments:

  1. Hello Wendy,

    We too love blueberries and have to say that yours look positively fabulous. a friend made Blueberry Cake for us yesterday evening, with extra Blueberries and fresh cream. It was truly food for the gods!

    The stores always do tend to rush us out of the season one is in towards the next and you are so right to savour the moment you are in. We try to do the same since life flies by fast enough without hurrying it along!

    What a delightful rainbow. Yes, you must be living on the crock of gold!

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    1. Hmm - blueberry cake - that could be a tomorrow enterprise!!! I was out digging for the gold today- but alas: no luck!

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  2. RAINBOW CONNECTION WMM that fruit bowl looks glorious. I am a wee bit less infatuated having "raked" for pocket money in my youth.

    Pondering beet risotto, but wondering if might be a bit pink for my taste? Golden beets, hmmm.

    I too will be gazing at and wishing for the moon tonight. Enjoy the rest of the weekend. As always, your optimism and own particular strain of sunshine glistens through.

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    1. I never rake for blueberries, which is why I still love them!!! The risotto was indeed a pinky hue, but so yummy!!!

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  3. Love fresh blueberries with cream. Yum! It's amazing how that personal connection makes things seem tastier doesn't it. We have had such a short summer that I'm relishing these few nice warm days even though I'm at heart a fall girl. That risotto sounds fabulous. I love eating it but find there is too much stirring to make it myself, so well done Barry! Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.

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    1. Jen - I am with you - no interest in seeing this summer end after the winter and then the tropical storm!

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  4. I buy NB blueberries in those big boxes, in fact I drive to a place 20km away just to get them. I love them and so healthy too.
    Barry makes risotto too? Another talent? I'm very impressed. It sounds like you had a perfect day and I hope your Sunday is just as beautiful.

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    1. wow! You should do a commercial, Dani! Barry is multi-talented for sure!!!

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  5. Is there anything your husband doesnt do? I think i need a "Barry" too,lol.
    My husband grills and that is pretty much his all he is intersted as far as e kitchen goes.
    Love blueberries and use them often with greek yogurt or whipped cream.Yum!

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    1. Ina - there is a lot he doesn't do! Can't wait to hear about the new job!

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  6. I applaud your loyalty to Mrs Tuddenham and I too love blueberries in Greek yogurt but not quite as fortunate to have fresh Mrs. T's to pour into that handsome bowl. I am often ready for Fall by mid August but after the winter we just had, I won't mind one bit if summer lingers awhile.

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    1. I am with you! Plus, you need nights on patios there in Chicago!!!

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  7. Blueberries, sun showers, rainbows and a delicious risotto prepared for you by your husband.....perfect end of summer day.
    Thanks for the links for the Super Moon and Perseid Showers. Sounds like it will be a great show!

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    1. I took a look last night - it was pretty bright! If I can stay up tonight, going to try and watch the Perseids!

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  8. I love blueberries, a box that size would be a fortune here! We have villages named Tuddenham (East and North) close to us in the UK.

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    1. Hi Jay - it cost me $15 - probably around 8 pounds for you. I bet that's where the Tuddenhams were from!

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  9. We had no rain here yesterday but also no rainbows. I am a bah humbug in our household as I am not a blueberry fan. Sacrilegious I know but taste buds have a way of speaking their own mind even in the face of disapproval from my blueberry loving husband.

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  10. Those blueberries look absolutely outstanding! Sounds like a perfect day. :)

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  11. Love those Tuddenham blueberries too!

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