THE WORST IS OVER?

     This was the result of our worst snowfall this winter.  It wasn't all that troublesome although it did require the use of the ever-handy snow blower.  In just a few days this white fluff was all gone and the temperatures were in the high 40's.  We even experienced a 52 degree day in February.  How wonderfully unusual!

GENTLE WINTER MAY BE OVER.

     The winter of 2015-2016 has been very gentle with us here in Downeast Maine - so far.  A few days ago we were experiencing and enjoying 60 degree weather and I could see a few buds pepping out on the lilac bush.  It was too good to be true.
     Last Friday we received an nice blast of cold air and a downfall of about 15 inches of the white stuff.  It was a shock to jump back into genuine winter mode.
     Today the wind is whipping about at 10 to 20 miles an hour with gusts a little higher.  Temperature is 20 with a wind chill of 10.  We are now being threatened with another blizzard and an additional foot or so of snow.  Can't that darn Pennsylvania groundhog ever get it right?  The snow blower has been returned to it seasonal place of honor and stands ready.

WINTER GIFT OF CITRUS SUNSHINE.

     Our wonderful neighbors who share the Buckman Compound with us spend the winter at their home in Nashville.  The Christmas season of 2015 they gifted us with an amazing abundance of Meyer lemons  The photo at the left is about half of the total sum.  Needless to say I got very busy learning what to do with lemons beside seasoning fresh fish. 
     Two recipes I found became that our favorites were Pennsylvania Dutch lemon pie and lemon upside-down cake.  The cake is pictured below.  It was heavy, moist and very rich.  A small slice with a good cup of coffee made for a perfect afternoon snack.  It stored well and a week after preparation it was still as fresh and moist as the day it was made.  Looking at the photos makes my mouth water even now.  This truly was a gift that kept on giving as we were enjoying yummy lemon concoctions for many weeks after the holidays. 
 

PROJECT OF SUMMER PAST.

     Well, I finally think I got inspired after noticing it had been well over a year since I posted on my blog.  Next came the problem of where to start again.  I decided to just run with what appealed to me.
     This past summer, while I was wonderfully and happily lost and busy amid my flower and vegetable gardens,  David decided to make his own bread and butter pickles, a favorite in this house. 
     Maxine, a close friend (actually part of our extended family) gifted us with a jar of the home-made goodies.  They were so delicious David got her recipe and whipped up a batch.  They sat on the deck for five days during the initial process.  Then they were brought into the house and sliced and "pickled".  They were so good David made several batches.
     Home-made food is especially delightful in the middle of a Maine winter.  The taste and crispness bring back sunny summer memories.