Summer Weekend Lunching

Something old, something new, something borrowed, nothing blue .... Wedding-inspired edition of this Sunday's lunch, although there were no particular weddings that prompted this lunch - just ingredients on hand.

The old: croutons from the cupboard (not sure from how long ago - now in the fridge), Trader Joe's Thai chili lime cashews from the fridge (love those - they make any salad), Parmesan cheese from the freezer (big 2-pack bag from Costco, purchased for an extended houseguest who often used it in dishes - but houseguest has departed).

The new: heirloom tomatoes from yesterday's farmer's market (not the most flavorful, a little on the mealy side, seeds not worthy of saving - maybe it's all the rain we've gotten this summer), Vietnamese balm from the garden (aka rau kinh gioi, now more easily accessed since the scaffolding has started to come down).

The borrowed: the yellow dish (purchased by Sissy, left behind when she decamped downstairs).

The blue: none, as the open Parm had already been relegated to the freezer (although some bluish green clumps had earlier been spotted, and removed - hence the sojourn to the freezer).

Liberal sprinkling of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Trader Joe's lemon pepper grinder.  Not a bad lunch.  Prouder about the utilization of existing ingredients - always a victory!

Old Stomping Grounds

Little bit of balance, little bit of luck allowed for a visit to the old college stomping grounds with classmates and their littles this past weekend.  A lovely afternoon.

The day had been earmarked for housecleaning in preparation for houseguest next weekend.  And, it was supposed to rain, so accepting an invitation to join in an afternoon of introducing the next generation to dear old alma mater did not seem a good idea.  But then it turns out the houseguests aren't coming (love them - but oh the cleaning, the pretense of maintaining a somewhat presentable abode!), and just before going out for a run, a text came through about the rendez vous being on after all, given the newly cleared skies.

So off for the afternoon.  The campus is ever changing with new construction.  The littles were too sweet - the eldest taking one of the younger boys under her wing.  And overheard: "Abba, your college is sooo pretty!  I want to be a part of it!"  Success!  Indoctrination takes root.