I have been inspired to make this a "Laura Ingalls Wilder" summer after finding a stack of vintage library books at a resale shop this spring. And then, as luck would have it, I found a pristine copy of Wilder's annotated autobiography 'Pioneer Girl' at my local library's used book room, and decided to dedicate this summer to reading about the life of Ingalls.
I just finished Little House in the Big Woods, and I was sucked in to the story right from the beginning.
The very first chapter details all of the animals that must be hunted, butchered, and preserved before winter. It was fascinating. The story continues with the seasons, and I learned about maple sugaring season, honey collecting, wheat harvesting, Ma Ingalls' hat making skills, Pa's musical turns on the fiddle, and so much more.
I cannot begin to fathom a life that was filled with so much physical labor from sun up to sun down. So much of one's day was devoted to either the growing, hunting, preserving, or cooking of food. And to think, I grumble when I have to drive to the grocery store!
While I was reading this book, I also read Melissa Gilbert's autobiography "Prairie Tale". That's one good way to ruin a childhood perspective of a beloved television show and its cast! Sadly, it was filled with the stories we've come to expect from Hollywood...sex, drugs, alcoholism, celebrity name dropping. No one comes out unscathed.
I plan to read this one next. She's on husband number three in this book, and maybe her crazy life has calmed down a little. LOL! For a time, she and her husband, Timothy Busfield, lived just a short drive from here in the town of Howell, Michigan. They sold everything (including the old historic home they lived in) a few years ago, temporarily moved to NYC I believe, and then bought a cottage in the Catskills, where they grow a garden and raise their own chickens. I wonder how long that will last.
Things are growing nicely in my own garden. I scaled back considerably this year, deciding to just plant a few tomatoes, some peppers, and my usual assortment of herbs.
The funniest thing happened. A few tomatoes from last year decided to grow again. They call these "volunteers", and typically, they will grow but not produce anything. I decided to leave mine to see what would happen, and lo and behold, they got so big and grew so many flowers that I decided to cage them and hope for the best! I think these may have been heirloom varieties. I will have to wait and see!
I decided to plant three varieties: Early Girl, Sun Gold cherry tomatoes, and Sweet Cherry Red. I typically use all three in summer salads, and they are faithful producers all season long.
The peppers don't seem to be doing as well as they did last year, but the season is early.
As long as I have plenty of basil, parsley, cilantro, oregano, and chives, I am happy to visit the garden with scissors in hand.
I don't pretend to be Ma Ingalls, but I do enjoy my time in the garden.
The summer is speeding along so quickly, and I am trying to hold on with both hands. I am planning a trip "out west" with sons for some time this summer. More on that later.
It is a wonderful, much-needed rainy day today. I think I will read, drink coffee and make some cards.
Blessings, café friends!
No comments:
Post a Comment