My weekend thus far has had a good bit of “making” and weekending activities – there has been planting, and gardening, and grilling, and time with family (or at least phone time!) and friends. I stopped at JoAnn’s and got LOTS of fabric so some sewing is on tap for this grey Memorial Day.
I also created the most wonderful Rhubarb-Thyme Collins! It is so good and so refreshing! And, the rhubarb is in all the farmer markets in my area so if you try this recipe, please let me know! (if you are not a gin fan, I think this would work equally well with vodka, or with no alcohol at all to make a delicious Rhubarb-Thyme soda!)
Rhubarb-Thyme Collins
2 parts Rhubarb-Thyme Syrup (recipe below)
2 parts fresh lime juice
4 parts Dry Gin
Sparkling water
Combine syrup, lime juice and gin in tall glass over ice. Stir well to mix. Top with sparkling water and enjoy!
Rhubarb-Thyme Syrup
2 Cups rhubarb, chopped (about 8-10 stalks)
2 Cups sugar
2 Cups water
4 sprigs of thyme
Combine rhubarb, sugar, and water in saucepan and bring to boil. Once mixture is boiling, turn down heat to medium and stir occasionally. Cook until rhubarb has softened. Turn off heat, stir in thyme sprigs, and cover. Allow to steep for 7-8 minutes. Strain out to separate the liquid. Cool and refrigerate. The syrup will last about 12 days in refrigerator.
In all my making – I did not want to forget that today is Memorial Day:
On Memorial Day, I don’t want to only remember the combatants. There were also those who came out of the trenches as writers and poets, who started preaching peace, men and women who have made this world a kinder place to live. – Eric Burdon
Memorial Day is not only the “Official Start of Summer” or a long weekend filled with planting flowers, gardening, grilling, and spending time with family and friends, (or making!) And while these are all great long weekend in summer activities, Carole has posted a wonderful reminder of what today is really about! Please go and read her words and allow them to wash over you – let them fill you – and hold them in your heart as you go through your day.
I am going to pause today and spend some time thinking about Carole’s speech and about all those who have served and are serving.
At its core, the nobility and majesty of Memorial Day can be found in the story of ordinary Americans who become extraordinary for the most simple of reasons: They loved their country so deeply, so profoundly, that they were willing to give their lives to keep it safe and free. ~ Barack Obama
Today is not just the “unofficial start of summer” nor is it just a long weekend or a day off from work. It’s not just ‘backyard barbecue with family and friends day.’ And while these all are awesome things to enjoy; today is really about those incredible men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
I hope that your day will include some time reflecting their extraordinary sacrifice and I hope you have a very Happy Memorial Day!
A Monday that is still the weekend is all kinds of awesome in my book!
So far, my weekend has been practically perfect in every way: the annuals have been planted into the various containers, there has been lots of grilling (i.e. I have not been doing much cooking), and yesterday morning we headed out for a long-ass walk which we are repeating again this morning, and while there has been the threat of rain it did not materialize until late last night – all in all it has been a glorious weekend.
How about some Literary Links for a Monday?
Book Riot shared this most disturbing news yesterday. Perhaps all you can take a few moments to send off a little love letter to your elected officials and let them know that you think it is a very bad idea to give any powers at all the illiterate dolt in the White House.
I hope you are having an awesome extended weekend for the holiday, and if you were waiting patiently for the start of the AsKatKnits Summer Knit-Along, the wait is over!
Last night, in preparation, I pulled out one of the WIPs from my basket and sat down with the pattern to figure out where I am so I can spend a little quality time with it today. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I am further along than I thought. I have divided for the sleeves and am cruising up the back. This morning, I have hopes that this will be approaching the finish line by this time next week.
I think it is most fitting that the first poppy blossom opened yesterday in honor of Memorial Day weekend. It was just gorgeous yesterday in the late day sun, almost as amazing as this field of 300,00 knitted poppies at the Chelsea Flower Show. Just.Stunning.
Carole shared a link to BOTNS Book Bingo on Wednesday and Kym shared her card yesterday, so like a good lemming, I printed my card out and am IN IT TO WIN IT! Well, perhaps not with Carole playing – seriously, that girl can read and read fast!! It boggles my mind. Regardless, it seems like a fun way to spend the summer and that’s my story and I am sticking to it!
I am so good with some of these; book set in another country – check! Read another book by an author already used for this Bingo card – check! Book recommended by a librarian – check! (Thanks Carole!!) Perhaps this will be easier than I think. If you wanted to up your reading game this year, this will help! And, I am feeling decidedly child-like, awash in memories of Summer Reading at the library. It was the best thing ever for the summer vacation!
