Market Bounty

We LOVE market time! Not being “good gardeners” ourselves, we really appreciate what people can do with their green thumbs. We routinely visit flower gardens, elaborate landscapes, parks, and of course the beautiful flora and fauna of our area supplied by nature.

Take this another step further. When local farmers bring in there products from our area, from our soil and water, it’s just a wonderful site to see. And, more importantly for us, to taste! I think seeing the incredible bounty and anticipating its use in recipes is half of the experience—before we even take a bite.

Here’s a quick shot of our haul from the Suttons Bay market. Strawberries (they’re in!), beets, radishes, a new preserve, locally made granola, the list goes on. To be honest, we do NOT use bushel baskets to shop at the market, as serene as that sounds. We DO use canvas bags though, but Michele thought the arrangement “spilling out of” a bushel looks more inviting. I agree.

And, yes, later we’ll share some shots of the dishes we made and may even include some recipes.

Here’s wishing you great bounty as well,

Andy

Missing Abby

Last night Andy and I were talking about how much we miss Abby. Independently, we both thought about posting this picture. It was taken after the, one and only, time we went away for a few days and left Abby and Katie with a kitty sitter. After lots of attention we found her relaxed in the sun, as if she was thinking "all is right with the world." (notice her leg is going right through the handle of the stool.)

Her favorite spot was in this sunny window, watching birds. Her favorite things to were sit on our laps, purr, and play. One of our favorite things about her was her ability to keep us constantly laughing.

~Michele

New Babies, Part II

If you look back at the Friday, June 4th posting, you'll see we've been "following" a swan family. We think the babies are somewhere around a week old or less. I'll let tonight's pix speak for themselves. Click on an image to see it larger. Hope you enjoy.
Andy

PS

For those interested, our Suttons Bay Relay is July 23 and 24, 2010. Here is a link for details:

Relay for Life

Michele

Relay for Life/Cancer Study

We learned earlier this week that the Traverse City Relay for Life event had a significant addition. It allowed participants/visitors to sign up for a long term (20 to 30 years) cancer study sponsored by the American Cancer Society and Emory University.

As you may know, Relay for Life is a cancer fighting awareness program that holds events around the nation to raise money to support the fight. Typically, teams walk for 24 hours straight in a large park or track while camping, promoting, and partaking in events held along side. We felt fortunate that our local group coordinated the intake of the study participants with the event. You can see "proof" of our participation with Michele's band-aid below (they took 4 vials of blood along with a small booklet of health survey data on each of us). ;->

Also note the other pic below of the wonderful initiative of a local construction company---Team Elmers. Yes, they just repainted a cement truck in support of the fight! Yes, it's driven by their only female driver. What's really cool is that they have a Facebook page devoted to this and if you click on "Like" they will donate $5. Tweet when and where you see the truck in action and they'll donate another $1. Very cool.

Team Elmers Facebook Page

I certainly hope you are never affected by cancer whether personally, with a family member (pets included!), or a friend. We know we're not unique, but Michele and I have lost our share of loved ones. We give every year and thought another and significant act would be to participate in the study also.

May you live long, happy, and healthy.
Andy

New Babies

I checked the swan nest on Tuesday and she was still sitting. Here is a picture taken last night. Aren't they sweet?

~Michele

Paper Goods

Another great find at an Estate sale. I love to work with old photos, papers and cards. I need to get busy in my studio now!

~Michele