Summer has finally arrived!

This week it feels like summer has finally arrived in Hudson! We have had some rain and humidity, the gardens are loving it! Most of the tomatoe plants have flowered, which after starting them from seed in February, seems like an amazing miracle! I love the smell of tomatoe plants, not the blossoms, the actual smell of the plant. If only I could purchase candles, room spray and air fresheners in that fragrance I could enjoy it all year long.
The boys started their summer session of activities at the YMCA, which appear to be a smash so far. They each have an arts/crafts class and we have one session of soccer a week. In addition, the summer reading program at our local library has officially begun! Watching the kids learn to love books and the public library is so much fun. They each sleep with their evening bedtime story tucked loving under their pillow.

My little sister, Jen, has been stopping by once a week to spend time with the boys. She has been such a lovely blessing. The children have time with a wonderful young woman who will undoubtedly be a very important infuence and adult in their lives as the boys grow. I personally enjoy the few hours out of the house, which are usually spent buried in a book.

This past Sunday, the children were invited to a birthday party for our neighbors Granddaughter, Sydney, who lives near Menomonie. The drive was beautiful, there is still sleepy farmland and homesteads buried in Wisconsin. I earnestly hope that sprawl, development and taxes don't force it into suburban strip malls. The party was wonderful, the children played outside in wading pools, slip and slides, with water balloons and a swing set. At one point in the afternoon, Quentin was completely soaking wet, happily eating a hotdog, turned to me and said, "This is just Heaven Mom!" This year he even managed to keep the Great Dane named Titan who lives there from swiping his lunch. Last year, there were a few teary and tense moments after Titan stole the hotdog and bun directly from Quentin's hand.

Thursday and Friday mornings of this week were spent at rummage sales! Our church organizing a huge event every year. There is something heart warming about the children finding joy in gently used or well loved toys and sports equipment! We were able to add two wonderful tennis rackets to our collection, along with some adjustable roller skates and an skateboard that we hope to retrofit into a customized scooter. Lars has particular pride in the straw "safari" hat we found along with a childrens 'batting hat" and "hard hat". Being particularly repelled at the thought of many trips to the emergency room this summer, we also increased our supply of bike helmets, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist braces. A girl has to do what a girl has to do! Recycling takes on a wonderful form when we can enjoy another persons cast offs with glee!

In an attempt to begin organizing my recipe staff, I have decided to start posting at least one a week.

Kidney bean and Corn Salad

16 oz can kidney beans

16 oz frozen corn

1/4 cup red onion diced

1 red, green, or yellow bell pepper diced

1/2 cup peeled diced zucchini

1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

3 Tblsp honey

3 cloves garlic, crushed

salt and pepper to taste

Rinse and drain corn and beans. Whisk vinegar, honey, garlic together. Mix all vegetables together, toss with vinegar. Salt and pepper to taste. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, serve at room temperature.

Crock Pot Tomale Pie

1 lb ground beef, venison, or bison

2 cups frozen corn

2 cups salsa

1 cup coarse ground yellow cornmeal

1 egg

1 cup mik

2 Tbspn ground cumin

2 Tbspn chilli powder

Mix raw meat, corn, egg, salsa, milk and seasoning in bowl. Spray crockpot, pour mixture in. Set on High for 3 hours. Serve with cheddar cheese, avacado slices, sour cream, fresh sliced tomatoes. Reheats well also. (It tasts better than it looks!)