Mountain Musings

Pop! Pop! The Sound of Success

After spending mucho time working in the kitchen with tomatoes yesterday, those sealing pop-pop sounds were very satisfying for a canner to hear! I ended up with 8 jars of salsa plus two zip-lock bags to freeze. I think Hannah will be pleased with the to-do items that have gotten crossed off her list since she's been away.

But I still have half a counter full of tomatoes to use up which have a few blemishes and a rotten spot here or there and aren't suitable to use for canning. I was checking out a local herb farm website and ran across a recipe that might be just the thing for the remaining tomatoes.

It's Creamy Tomato Soup (adapted from "Gardeners' Community Cookbook," by Victoria Wise, Smith & Hawken 1999).

1 large onion, chopped
2- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
8 cups tomatoes, chopped, juices reserved
2 large russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
10- 12 fresh basil leaves, torn
One leafy sprig each fresh thyme and oregano, leaves stripped from stems
Salt, pepper and sugar to taste
Sour cream (optional)

In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, saute onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant and soft, 8- 10 minutes. Add chopped tomatoes, potatoes and broth and simmer until potatoes are soft, about 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt, a pinch of sugar if desired and freshly ground black pepper. Add herbs to pot, simmer to combine flavors and puree either using a handheld immersion blender or pureeing in batches in a food processor or blender. Soup will be very thick and creamy. To serve, pour into warmed bowls with a swirl of sour cream on top, if desired.

If anyone has any other ideas of what to do with tomatoes that can't be used for canning and too many to just eat up on sandwiches, please let me know. Does anyone just freeze chopped tomatoes with the peeling still on? And if so, when you end up thawing and using, is having the peeling included not going to be the best in a recipe? Thanks for any ideas.

~Deb

A Visit with Cyber Friends

It started with discovering, reading, and posting comments on one another's blogs. Then followed getting acquainted at the Vision Forum History of the World Mega-Conference in Hampton, Virginia, - a shared meal, a field trip together, and chatting between sessions. A new friendship started.

Then, a month later, we received "the email"...

The Serven Family (known as the Serven Clan in the blogosphere) hails from the Midwest, where they moved a little over a year ago to be a part of a family-integrated church and where the dad, Marcus, is serving as presiding pastor. These folks love the Lord Jesus and one another. They have a sweet, joyful demeanor which makes us feel very at ease and encouraged just to be around them.

And they are a pretty awesome bunch - they travel all over the place and know loads of people; they produce 4-part psalm-singing CDs, refurbish houses, devour books (especially history with stories), write articles, encourage and counsel the saints, shoot guns (even the girls), produce films, minister with hospitality, play multiple musical instruments, work on Eagle Scout rank, grow gardens, keep up a couple of web sites - whew - all for the glory of God. (They are probably blushing a bit at all these accolades, but we are most blessed by their Christlike character and kindred spirit.)

So, we received "the email" from them a couple of weeks ago, saying they were traveling to a wedding in NC and suggesting a visit with us on the way. We said SURE, come on, we'd love to have you! So, after driving all day last Thursday, they arrived at our home in the Valley that night. Even though they were kind of tuckered, we enjoyed a couple of hours around a meal and blessed conversation.

The next morning was filled with a leisurely breakfast, more visiting, a look at our garden and the surrounding mountains (ooooh, aaaaah), and guy conversation about history, books, and alternative means of education.

Then, the time came when they had to get back on the road to fit in an afternoon tour of Lexington, Virginia, before heading to NC that evening. They graciously invited us along with them to Lexington, and we toured the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery and Lee Chapel together before we had to leave and let them go on their way.

Joel, the youngest Serven, placed a tribute to Traveler, horse of General Robert E. Lee, outside Lee Chapel & Museum.

THANKS very much, Serven Clan, for being who you are and for sharing a slice of your life with us Easterners!

~Tom

Motivational Memories

We so easily get wrapped up in the urgent minutia of everyday demands that we forget the larger purpose of our life on earth - to enjoy God and glorify Him. Our primary focus should be on following the Lord's wisdom in order to please Him and to receive His "well done, good and faithful servant" at the end of our fleeting days. And under that, we should desire that those people whom the Lord has brought into our lives, particularly our children, should remember our love for Jesus Christ after we are gone and be moved to love Him also.

I was reminded of this recently when we were visiting Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery in Lexington with the Serven family, and I saw this monument:

"As a memorial of grateful love and veneration to our parents, James and Susanna S. McDowell, who, having lived lives of piety, virtue, and honored usefulness, died in the faith of Jesus Christ and in the glorious hope of His gospel, this monument is erected by their surviving children in the year of our Lord 1854."

~ Tom

Memories on the Road Back Home

All's quiet on the homefront tonight. We are a family of just three as both girls are spending the week at Granny's house, three hours away. We miss them already, and it hasn't even been one day yet!

We packed the car early this morning (girls have so much stuff!), and I drove the old familiar road back to my hometown of South Boston. I've often said if I had a dollar for every time I've driven from Lynchburg to South Boston, and vice-versa, I'd definitely be rich! Growing up not having a mall in our town, we often would drive the hour to Lynchburg to shop, so this route has been well traveled.

Route 501 is still the same two-lane road it was back then, often full of slow-moving logging trucks that always make the trip seem longer when we find ourselves eternally stuck behind one. Fields of tobacco can be seen along this stretch of roadway waiting for the farmers to harvest the leaves. I enjoy seeing all the familiar scenery and the houses and farms that seem to always look the same.

Remember those white pottery geese folks used to put in their yards? We had them when I was growing up with petunias planted in their backs. This particular portion of 501 boasts many houses that still proudly display them.

Something else that caught my eye today--those purchased carports for folks who don't have a garage built onto their house. I know I saw at least 50 of those metal sheds out in folks' yards from Lynchburg to Rustburg to Brookneal to Halifax. I had never noticed so many before today.

And I usually look for a small Baptist church tucked back in the trees when I pass by Brookneal. We used to drive there on Sunday afternoons to hear Bro. Lester Roloff preach and the Honeybee Quartet from his Girls' Home sing. It's a special memory in my growing up years, and I can still remember him singing one of his all-time favorites, "Deeper Than the Stain Has Gone."

Today was an interesting traveling day with many memories thrown in. The rest of this week will be interesting as well--Hannah left me several post-it notes full of gardening instructions--what and when to pick the veggies, when to water, and how to can her salsa. Looks like she'll keep me plenty busy while she's gone! I think I'm going to be glad when the girls return!

~Deb

Just Checking In...

Tom and I are home after an anniversary time away around Hot Springs, Virgina. We stayed overnight at a bed and breakfast, toured the beautifully landscaped grounds of The Homestead, shopped in quaint little shops, attended a classical music concert at Garth Newell Concert Center, ate Mexican food, and enjoyed celebrating 26 years of marriage.

We also had a great visit with our new friends, the Servens, from Missouri last Thursday evening, and then followed them around Lexington on Friday morning to be around each other a little longer before they headed farther on their travels.

More posts and pictures to follow this coming week. But for now....it's time to rest a bit. Zzzzz.

~Deb

Growth of a Garden

June 2006

August 2006 (below)

To those interested in seeing our garden's progress, I thought I would finally post some photos of everything, now that the season is beginning to slow down a bit--can't write a post on gardening if you're out working in it! Our new section of field that we had plowed has been a great place for the corn, cantaloupe, pumpkin, watermelon, and butternut squash to spread out (in addition to the weeds). Dad and Jonathan kindly spent one of their Saturdays putting up deer netting around the plot, as you can see from the above August picture; that has worked quite well so far for keeping the deer from nibbling, and the family has loved being able to have more freshly picked corn. I have also enjoyed having several kinds of flowers for cutting--it's fun to have plenty of fresh flowers for centerpieces every week or when guests are visiting.

The photo to the left is of a scabiosa bloom--these plants and the zinnias nearby have attracted quite a number of bees and large butterflies.

This photo shows a late block of corn along with rows of cockscombs and cosmos. I plan to dry the large frilly cockscomb blooms.

A few watermelons peeking out from under the vines are waiting to picked, and their larger cousins are still maturing. We have enjoyed several juicy ones so far!

Our raised bed garden this year included black-eyed peas for the first time. They did so well I planted another batch, hopefully to be picked before the first frost. Our ten tomato plants have produced plenty of fruit that has been made into both fresh and canned salsas and pizza sauce.

Planting, caring for, and harvesting the garden has taken a lot of effort, but I've enjoyed the work, learning, and results. 

~Hannah

Recipe Box Show & Tell

I've been looking forward to sharing the links to the wonderful recipe boxes and cookbooks that all you cooking enthusiasts have sent in for the Show & Tell; it's been fun for me, so I hope you all take time to visit the blogs below to read some of the stories behind the recipe boxes you see pictured.

My friend Dorothy, who doesn't have a blog...yet, emailed a picture of the recipe box her husband gave her their first or second Christmas together. She says that he picked it out and included the 3x5 recipe cards to go in it. She's often thought of replacing it but can't seem to bring herself to do it. I don't blame her; talk about a vintage pattern! I love it! Thanks, Dorothy!

Mrs. U at Making a House a Home shares a picture of her wooden recipe box and the shelves where she keeps all her cookbooks. Looks like she enjoys cooking!

Tammy at Tammy's Times shows us her recipe box and includes the area in her kitchen where she keeps all her cookbooks, complete with adorable apple decor. Very appropriate, I think!

Lydia, a homeschooled daughter of missionary parents in Northern Ireland, posts a picture of her recipe box over at 3 Sisters Blog; she hopes to fill it up with delicious recipes.

Chyrll, mom to Lydia, tells the interesting story behind her recipe book over at Chyrll's Corner.

Mrs. B posts on her blog, Be Not Conformed, the beautiful three-ring binder where she keeps her recipes. She also shows pictures of two of her favorite cookbooks. Looks like the 1946 one has seen some serious cooking put on the table from its pages!

Tori, missionary wife in Croatia, shares a picture of her Dollar General recipe box on her blog A Home Away From Home. I like the colorful food items decorating the outside, and I would never know it was found at such a bargain price!

Courtney at Courtney's Contemplations shares a deep, dark secret about her recipe box. Go check it out...if you dare!

My sister, Bet, shows us a gorgeous picture of not one...but four of her recipe boxes! While you're visiting her blog, check out her new vintage tablecloth and her beautiful shamrock plant.

And below are the Girotti family recipe boxes:

Hannah says: "To the left is my recipe box which was handmade by my father dear 3 years ago. The 2 drawers will each hold quite a few recipes, and they are already starting to fill up with favorites, some shared with me by relatives on special cards. It occupies an appropriate place in my room--on top of my hope chest below my windows. Sarah also has the same hand-crafted box (just with a different wood stain) in her bedroom, which makes for a nice corner display sitting on her bookcase. We look forward to using our recipe boxes and cooking in our future homes!"

Here are my two recipe boxes--both made by Tom. The first one he made years ago is on the right with the red heart on the front and is stuffed full of appetizer, bread, veggie, fruit, and main dish recipes. He made the newer one on the left with the sunflower because I was running out of room, and it holds only desserts--pies, cakes, and cookies! We also have a shoebox full of recipe clippings that Hannah is gradually organizing. Where will we put them??

Special thanks to everyone who participated and posted the stories behind their cookbooks and recipe boxes--a very enjoyable Show & Tell!

~Deb

Recipe Box Show & Tell Reminder

Reminder: For anyone planning to join the Recipe Box Show & Tell, you should have your link to me via email (girotti at ntelos dot net) by 9:00 p.m. tonight. (Read here for more details if you'd like to join us.)  Check back tomorrow for all the fun entries!

~Deb

Morning Musings

• Just a few morning musings today so everyone will know we're still alive and well.
• The garden has taken up much of our time lately. We still have cantaloupes and tomatoes rolling off the counters after giving many away and making salsa from the rest. Our first watermelon patch has been delicious, and the pumpkins in the field are still growing, although we've picked some smaller ones for decorating already--our very first pumpkins grown from a free packet of seeds that came in the mail!
• We loved Micah and Elizabeth being here over the weekend, along with a fellow medical student and his wife. I am enjoying hearing about different rotations in a 3rd year's life. Micah just finished a rotation of Pediatrics and starts Family Practice in Madison this week.
• Back to school this week for Jonathan--his third year at the local community college. He's picking up some extra classes that Old Dominion University requires for the transfer--one being Spanish. I guarantee he'll make sure we learn some new words along with him!
• Everyone is in an end-of-summer cleaning mood this week--closets, under beds, windows, etc. We have company coming! And we're excited about their visit!
• We also celebrate our 26th anniversary tomorrow, although Tom will be out of town for most of the workday. We'll celebrate this weekend with a night away.
• Check back for the Recipe Box Show & Tell being posted tomorrow. There have been some really fun entries!

~Deb

Book Meme

Well, I was tagged by my aunt to do this book meme. Here goes...

1. One book that changed your life: I can't say that any book besides the Bible has changed my life. :)

2. One book that you've read more than once: The easier question would be: what book have you NOT read more than once! I read so many books over and over. Hmm...since I can pick just one, I'll say On Yonder Mountain. It's a book I read 9-10 times when I was younger. I loved it since the girl's name was Sarah, just like me.

3. One book I'd want on a desert island: I'd have to say the Bible on this one too. Any other book would soon grow old, even if I do like to read them over and over!

4. One book that made you laugh: A View from the Zoo. It's a book written by Gary Richmond, a zookeeper with funny anecdotes from his years of work with animals. He has some good Biblical lessons that relate to each story. 

5. One book that made you cry: Treasure in an Oatmeal Box is a book I've read more than 10 times through the years. The main character is a mentally handicapped boy named Kevin. And yes, I do actually cry over books! :)

6. One book you wish had never been written: There are lots and lots of books that shouldn't have been written! But I thought of one that has bad elements in it: the Harry Potter series.

7. One book you are currently reading: I'm actually not reading anything right now! I know, I'll do better in the future... I did just finish Year of Growth, a Rod and Staff book that I borrowed from my friend Sarah. :) It was a good story of a Mennonite girl named Lois Ann.

8. One book that you've been meaning to read: The Mildred Keith series. I bought them when they were on sale last year, but I haven't gotten around to reading them yet. They were written by Martha Finley, the author of the Elsie Dinsmore books.

So, that's that. I won't tag anyone else, but if you want to answer any of the questions in the comment section, please feel free. :)

~Sarah