Summer is flying by… and it seems that everyone around me is so busy! Maybe it’s just that we all try to cram a lot of fun into these two months knowing that it soon will be over? I don’t really know… but it sure makes sense to enjoy this time while we have it!
A few weeks back I delivered a blackberry peach pie to a dear woman who has been battling cancer. I suggested that instead of cooking that night (since the outdoor temps were in the three digits) that she and her daughter have some of the warm pie with ice cream for dinner instead… and that idea seemed just fine with them.
For a couple of mornings each week I’ve been helping a friend at her B&B, and have discovered some delicious treats that are quick and easy to prepare. One day I noticed that there was an abundance of plums at the inn so I decided to make plum kuchen, or plum cake. This recipe is similar to the one I used. I hope that you’ll try it soon… with plums, or peaches, or berries! I am sure that you’ll be glad you did!
Last month I attended the wedding reception of the mother of one of my “other sons.” Coco and Taylor have been close buddies since fifth grade and I was delighted to see Taylor’s mom, Jamey, so happy! I wish her and Ian the very best!
Ashland is a deer friendly town… and some folks would say that isn’t okay. As for me, I am always awed and amazed when I look out on to my fairly small backyard and see a few bucks resting there. This is definitely not a sight I ever saw growing up in the projects!
With Pam Marsh at the “Pie Social”
Demonstrating the method to my madness
On July 26, the Ashland Emergency Food Bank hosted a “Pie Social” to thank their many volunteers and supporters. For one of the activities, Pam Marsh, the director of the food bank, asked if I would be willing to give a demonstration on making pie crust and I was delighted to do so. My goal was to show what method works for me and also to encourage those in the audience to have fun while baking. Remember folks… it’s just a pie! If you make a mistake, you’ll learn from it… and get better next time. When Julia Child dropped the turkey she did not toss it… but rather, brushed it off and laughed about it. We all should be able to do the same!
Crater Lake
The research vessel
Dinner on Wizard Island
Kristin and Scott with the crayfish
Phantom Ship
For a few days this last week, I was honored to prepare meals for a group of researchers studying the crayfish problem (they are an invasive species and are affecting the newt population) at Crater Lake National Park. Among the many offerings served were several apple cobblers (since I didn’t remember to bring along pie pans) and that seemed to work out just fine. It was a bit of a logistical challenge… but I don’t think I have ever worked in a more beautiful place! I’m ever so grateful to Mark Buktenica (the aquatic biologist at the park) for allowing me this amazing experience.
On the drive home from the lake, I saw an owl perched on the fence post as I drove by and couldn’t resist going back for a quick photo. It was absolutely magnificent to see this guy spread his wings and lift off. It was a rare (for me) and wonderful sight!
Finally, I came home after working this week to see our son, Coco. He had driven from Missoula with a friend and will be here for only a few days. His Dad and I took him over to Gold Beach for a quick overnight visit. That night we went to Anna’s by the Sea for dinner. When we entered the restaurant, Peter, the owner, teasingly asked me, “Karen, where is my …..ing pie?” Funny, I had wondered if he would remember us; apparently he did. Though I hadn’t brought along a pie, I had brought along a box of Cary’s chocolates for him… and I could tell that Peter was pleased.
Though it’s been a very hectic time, and while I am a bit tired, what I am feeling now is a bubbling up of emotion and joy at my good fortune. I pray that I will always remember how very lucky I am.
“God gave you a gift of 84,600 seconds today. Have you used one of them to say thank you?” William Arthur Ward
Pie a Day Give Away 