One of Summer's Special Treats

Summer's edible treats are so numerous, they are almost unending.

Farmers' markets abound with yummy treats like delicious berries, fresh corn-on-the-cob, cucumbers destined for salads, squash, big, fat tomatoes to die for, and on and on.

Seafood lovers can swoon over lobster rolls where the buttery lobster pieces are piled high into soft rolls.   Mmm mmm mmm

But let's not forget that for some people, (myself included), the best dessert treat of summer is namely, ice cream.

Ever since early childhood days, this treat has been a favorite.

It doesn't matter what flavor the ice cream is because almost all of them are loved.

Super duper ice cream dishes, served in fancy restaurants, are definitely delicious but to true ice cream lovers, a simple dish of creamy vanilla is just as satisfying.

Ice cream is tempting in every season but especially when hot temps are here in summer.

It cools one off and tastes so refreshing until every single smidge in a dish is gone.

Remember to treat yourself this summer with a dish ( or two, or three, or more) of your favorite ice cream.

WHAT  IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? DO YOU HAVE ONE?

Luxury at the Red Lion Inn

The Red Lion Inn, in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, draws guests from all over the world.

It is quintessential New England at its best.

White chairs line its expansive front porch and guests can enjoy a drink and snacks in the shade of huge trees.

Gigantic plants hang above. Could they be begonias?

There are dining rooms inside, as well as guest rooms upstairs, and people can  also dine on the back outside patio.

A jazz band plays wonderful mood music under a canopy.

Once in a great while, driving to the inn and treating one's self to luxury, is a guaranteed afternoon of pure delight.

Last weekend, with one of my sisters, we took the plunge and spent a few incredible hours at the Red Lion.

Guess what we had for lunch? Lobster rolls!

These are not the kind of lobster rolls mixed with mayonnaise and celery.  Uh uh. These offer lobster pieces that are heated up in butter and then piled high into buns.

For someone who loves lobster, these rolls taste totally decadent and luscious.

They come with tiny containers of cole slaw and potato chips. Perfect!

A nice, cold Corona rounds out the special luxurious lunch!

Our afternoon at the Red Lion Inn, mixing with the tourists and locals, as well, and dining on delectable food offerings, turned out to be a highlight of summer, 2026.

Tasty Lassi

 

In cuisine from India, a very refreshing hot weather drink is lassi.

It's a yogurt concoction that refreshes.

My own version of a lassi is made by putting a good-sized handful of ice cubes in a blender. 

Then, add a cup of Greek yogurt.  

My fave is Cabot Greek yogurt, from Vermont, made with whole milk.

Then add about one to two tablespoons of sugar and a splash of half and half.

Whip this up in the blender until well mixed.

Then, pour into a pretty glass and sprinkle cardamon spice on top.

When looking to buy cardamon, I wondered why it was so darned expensive. 

I read that the cardamon must be harvested by hand, so it's quite labor intensive.

Plus, there has been bad weather in many places where it is grown, such as Sri Lanka.

Thus, there is no inexpensive cardamon. 

However, it's so delicious and adds so much yumminess to lassi drinks, I bought it anyway.

Here's to lassi drinks all summer long!

Waiting for the Storms to Pass

There are times in life that become very challenging.

Perhaps more than just a few things are not going well at all.

People one loves may be facing terrible times.

Disappointments show up in every direction.

Situations beyond one's control are mounting in number.

At such times, the best thing one can do is simply surrender.

In my own life, that surrender is to the Lord. 

Personally, He is in charge of every aspect of life

Once a total surrender is made, being anxious or worrying is no longer necessary.

God will take care of every detail. 

It might not be the outcome desired, but it will be the best possible solution because it's made by the Lord who made the sun, moon, oceans, and stars.

Repeating "This, too, shall pass" also helps because, as we all know, nothing lasts forever.

It is deeply hoped that  your day today will be happy and peaceful.

Blooming Like Crazy

 

Every time I go to see a very dear cousin, Marianne, her lovely home decorations and flowering plants amaze me.

The colors of the blooms sizzle.

The placements and arrangements of every single item dazzle.

The petunias on the upper porch are a splendorous cranberry color.

Little animals, like birds, ducks and rabbits are all over the place.  

They make humans feel totally at home.

What a delightful snack we had of fresh muffins and coffee.  Yum!

While I love all her beautiful blooming plants, I love my cousin more!

                                  She's like a forest animal's caretaker!

Cousins, like siblings and grandchildren, are just absolutely precious. 

They give us hope for tomorrow.