Monday Musings, August 10

Hello Beautiful Friends!

How’s it going?

If I’m honest, I had a bit of a sinking spell last week. In a normal world, we would have been in Philadelphia celebrating our daughter’s White Coat Ceremony as she begins medical school. But for a variety of reasons, all related to this D@*MNED virus, we sat at home.

The school did what it could to celebrate and welcome their incoming class…they held the ceremony virtually. Each student had video enabled on their computer, so we could see each one as their name was called and they stood up and put their white coat on. They were mostly alone, in their apartments/hotels/homes. When the first young lady stood up, in complete silence, all by herself…I couldn’t help myself and I really teared up. It isn’t supposed to be like this!

I know I am not alone in feeling that ‘it isn’t supposed to be like this.’ Babies are being born without family celebrations, loved ones are passing without family support, couples are getting married without family and friends, and graduates are just ‘leaving’ schools without fanfare. We humans really do need each other for support and/or celebration and there are so many moments that are slipping by without either of them.

We are being tested, for sure and hopefully, we will emerge from this trying time with a deeper appreciation for all those moments that we missed. In fact, let’s promise ourselves right now that we will do just that! Let’s let something good come from all this. Deal?

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On another note, can you even believe it is the second week of August? Is it just me, or are you ready for summer to move on out and give fall a try at this whole thing?

While plums are still plentiful, give this very simple plum jam a whirl. It is a great recipe for first-time canners.

And, then, make this Rosemary-Fig bread! It is the perfect ‘vehicle’ for any jam!

I was productive in the kitchen this week, canning soups and chilis and making many batches of our favorite Ginger Meatballs in Coconut Broth. Am I the last person on the planet to figure out that cookie scoops are also VERY useful for making meatballs?

I made quite a dent in my stash of canned chicken stock with the soups and chilis I made, looks like I’ll be canning more chicken stock in the near future.

If you have been busy making washcloths and blankets to give as gifts, don’t forget to grab these Printable Gift Tags for your projects.

If your gift wrap situation is, well…a hot mess…now’s a good time to gather what you need to make a handy gift wrap cart so you’ll be already come the holidays.

This knit purse pattern is selling like hotcakes on the Annie’s site, but subscribers to Nourish and Nestle can access for free in the Subscriber’s Benefit Library or by clicking on the button below. Just a wee token of my appreciation.