An Old-Fashioned Summer

There’s something about this summer that transports me back through the years to my childhood when the days were hot and dry, the evenings cool and the morning dew welcomed our bare toes when my sister and I went outside to feed our pet rabbits. 

This old-fashioned summer could not have been timelier after the icy, cold winter of 2013/14 that seemed to drag on forever. I told myself in the early spring, which never really arrived, that I would not complain about the usual humidity and endless days and nights of enduring a sealed house with the air-conditioner running constantly. In fact, there’s been nothing to complain about. Mother Nature has taken pity on us and blessed us with the perfect summer.

The temperatures are well under 30 degrees Celsius, the cool mornings require a light sweater while walking the dog and the nights with windows thrown open to accept a gentle breeze remind me of summers past. Ice-cream cones were a dime, no one wore sunscreen and Toronto didn’t have a baseball team.

 The summer of 2012 was the third hottest summer on record and we have come to accept the steamy Julys and Augusts of the twenty-first century. Weather disasters have tripled since the 1960s. Thunder storms, floods and tornadoes are all too common.

Do you remember, back in the day, when we lived in small houses on large lots? Now we live in large houses on small lots and our fathers and husbands complain about cutting grass. In the early 1960s, every weekend without fail, my father cut the front and back lawn of a huge lot in Willowdale and trimmed two hedges that were six-feet high on either side of the property. I used to love trailing after him, inhaling the fresh cut grass. He used a push mower—not electric or gas, which brings me to a common complaint. Summers are not as quiet as they used to be. I wish everyone would get together and mow the lawn at the same time Friday evenings, leaving the rest of the weekend a silent bliss.

My apologies, dear friends, I did say I wouldn’t complain about this summer, but I meant the weather. We no longer have the cottage in Muskoka. How I miss waking up in the sleeping porch to the smell of pine, the chatter of chipmunks and the call of loons on the lake drifting through the window screens.

Presently, the cicadas are singing, the lawn mowers are silent. I will sit outside with a book and sip iced tea and thank Mother Nature for her sweet offerings.

Let's Celebrate Earth Day

Today is Earth Day and we should all take part in creating a healthy environment for people and animals. There are several ways we can participate, not just today, but every day. 

As cities expand to accommodate larger populations, woods and forests recede. When we moved to suburban Toronto twenty-five years ago we were surrounded by farmland. The farmers would set up their stalls and sell fresh fruits and vegetables that had real flavour. Today, townhomes and shopping centres replace the farms and we eat cardboard produce that is picked too early and shipped halfway around the world. 

Recycle and try to choose produce that is not packaged in plastic containers. When I was a girl we went to the butcher for meat that was wrapped in wax-coated paper. The baker put our treats in a non-plastic box. Even ice-cream came in waxed paper containers. 

Vote for political candidates who support carbon-free renewable energy sources. Plant a tree and wildflowers that attract butterflies and endangered bees. Use mulch and good soil that prevent moisture from evaporating into the ground. Water early or late in the day and never at noon when the sun is at its peak.

Eat less meat. The grain that is grown to feed livestock in the United States alone could feed 800 million people. Choose grass-fed meat from animals that graze. Did you know that grass is the natural food source of all animals with hooves? 

Choose paperless banking and billing methods and read on-line books. I admit I prefer to hold a book in my hands, but I am trying to change. 

Earth is not our personal dumping ground. Take pride in her beauty and treat her with the respect she deserves.

Comfort Food

Winter is clinging to southern Ontario like gum on the bottom of a shoe, but today’s chores have reminded me why I love the cold months.

The aroma of the roast of beef in the oven, surrounded by onions and carrots permeates the house with an essence of comfort.  

Sitting in the fridge is the batter for Yorkshire pudding, homemade, not packaged or store-bought. It took me years of experimenting to discover a perfect recipe. Until then, the puddings were hit or miss. The secret to perfect Yorkshire pudding is a really hot oven and using bacon grease instead of pan drippings. I like to make mine in muffin tins. Each one looks different, but they’re equally delicious. 

Here’s the recipe:

Have all ingredients (except bacon grease) at room temperature before combining in a ceramic bowl.

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ tsp salt

2 eggs

1 cup milk

4-6 tbsps. bacon grease

Beat flour, salt, eggs and milk together until very smooth. Refrigerate 2 hours. Increase oven to 425 degrees. Divide bacon grease into a six-serving muffin tray and heat in oven for 2 minutes or until the grease is bubbling. Put cold batter in a large measuring cup, or something with a spout, and pour carefully over the hot grease to ¾ full. Bake for 20-25 minutes in middle of oven. The Yorkshire puddings will be ready when golden brown and puffed right up. Remove from tray and serve immediately with or without gravy.

It’s the simple things in life that brings family members together and provides a bond that we’ll remember for years to come.