The return of warm breezes and sunshine...80 degree temps and a good bask!
And does anything say "Summer is Approaching" quite like homemade Italian Ice (granita siciliana)~recipe to follow.
Enjoyed both the bask and the frozen dessert this week sprawled on a quilt with a stack of books and Tucker-Cat earlier this week. Lillian, my Chicago friend, having recently retired after an amazing count-down...now realizing how wonderful the whole Retirement thing can be...with "I have Stones tickets!!!" and "It is after NOON...and I am sipping tea in my pajamas!!!" Which should be mandatory during your first week of retirement!
Congratulations, Lil...what good are laurels if you can't rest on them?
In Florida...an 85 year old woman is learning what it is like to never have to worry about money again with her recent mega-lottery win. I am happy for her. It would be interesting if the Herald would do a story of her life from childhood until winning. Somehow I imagine as Maya Angelou once wrote "...life ain't been no crystal stair..." for her, and thinking of what this win could do~ for her...her son...and through philanthropy~ "humanity"...and it is humbling.
Kara and Dan have something to be proud of this week as well...as their daughter, our friend and formerly Bill's Stalker (...now Chris' stalkee...lol) has been chosen as the face of the Purdue University Agricultural Program she recently graduated!
Congratulations, Ashley!!!!
The eldest riding Tropical Storm Andrea out today...a lot of strong winds and torrential rain (headed Lennon's way now~ where he is visiting his bio-Mom and Aunt in Massachusetts during part of his break). The Atlantic side tends to stay colder so hoping this thing doesn't pick up strength.
Waiting...and waiting...and waiting...yes "Idgy" only
It is going to be an amazing summer! And yes...we CAN make Granita out of Baileys. What a GREAT idea...GMTA...although the Espresso version is pretty incredible, too. And making arrangements for the beach, bonfire, cabin, wine and US! Also have a portrait shot (...yes...involving paint...) that I want to make of you :) And looking forward to just watching you relax and paint plein air again. And cooking together. And laughing together. And coffee and biscotti and chat out of the box. And REAL HUGS!
And only
"I say, Sal...you're being quite the PUTZ, old bean..."
And us learning that "Knocking Someone Up" has an entirely different meaning in the UK.
(...and speaking of Lost in Translation...Gail having taught us that in Afrikaans a dutch-based language "lekker" is just the equivalent of "good"` not booze...and "now-now" actually means later. Which explains a LOT. Maybe the Frontier Repair guy is speaking in Afrikaner? ) Would love to see your little corner of Africa sometime. Although I could live without the creepy-crawlies. A ten inch centipede on the ceiling...and I could fly back to The States without a plane!
And plenty to celebrate at this one...Diane's migration with The Duck to West Palm Beach...(watch for the pink flamingos) Darleen and Jeff's nuptials (Mr. and Mrs. Squirrel)...Lee and Marti's engagement ( THAT doesn't look like a cat bite Lee,put that thing away before someone gets hurt)...Lillian's Retirement (and the fact she didn't push her boss out that 11th story window on the way out...the last work day) and Ralph's Brownies!!!
Can't wait!!!
Struggling through Camus and The Stranger. Hoping to be finished after the weekend. A plus being I am dreaming in French again...which is kind of odd. And want to do a re-read in English soon after to see what i have missed...mistranslated.
Still, it is a lot of fun.
And yes...the recipe I promised.
Granita. Italian Ice. Simple and delicious.
Granita Siciliana
1 cup any fruit juice or a combination of several juices...or wines...or liquors...or champagne...and although Lemon or Strawberry is the most traditional...a Bellini (Champange and Peach Juice) Italian Ice is possibly the definition of perfection. Garnish with a fresh peach slice.
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
Mix dissolving sugar completely. Pour into a shallow metal pan (a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch.)
Freeze until just slushy. Break into flakes with fork and return to freezer to re-freeze. Just before serving ice in glass dessert cup or decorative wine glass run fork through ice again to flake further. Effect will be jewel-like. Serve with a complimentary garnish (i.e Mint sprig with lemon ice. Orange slice with Peach-Mango...Fresh Strawberry with Strawberry...et al)
For Espresso Granita
1 cup strong espresso
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup water
(Follow above directions for Granita)
Just before serving dollop with whipped cream and shaved dark chocolate curls. Can also add a single chocolate covered espresso bean for presentation. Serve these with a dessert spoon.
Enjoy!
