Little Vacation to the NEK, part 2

Because we could, we went back to the NEK for another little vacation. We arrived on Sunday afternoon and stopped in at the parents' in East Burke for a quick visit. After a morning of sun-bathing (white girl turned pink), we hiked the South Shore trail on the southern end of Lake Willoughby on Monday, and then had dinner with the parents. On Tuesday I used the wifi at the Island Pond Public Library (it's crunch time for camp) while Trevor "stole" more rocks from the river at Pete's. On Wednesday we packed up and drove to Brownington to hang with Wendy, Jon and Chloe and then drove home. We miss Pete but we really like using his cabin!

Library Humor

Our new housemate, Joanne, sent us this postcard. Reminds me of those New Yorker cartoons where you can submit your own caption.

Making Pesto

Every summer I make a ton of pesto. I gave up on growing my own basil years ago but I've found a few farm stands where I can get it wicked cheap. There's one on in Hatfield where I can get a giant bunch for 75 cents! The above leaf is huge and I'm beginning to suspect it's not organic... but it's very fresh and cheap.

My ingredients all lined up and ready to go. The recipe I use is from the Silver Palate Cookbook.
As you can see, I use 365 products. They're good quality and economical.

Basil, walnuts, and garlic in the Cuisinart Food Processor, then blend until it's all blended together. I love my food processor. Thank you, Trevor!

Add olive oil in a slow stream.

Add cheese, salt and black pepper and combine.

Put into little containers and freeze. I'm still using up last summer's batch. I also give it to friends. They appreciate it. It's great to have pesto on hand.

Do your dishes!

Little Vacation at Little Newfield in Island Pond, VT

Trevor and I spent 5 days at my brother's cabin in the Northeast Kingdom of VT. It's a rustic place with running cold water, a propane fridge, stove and lamp, an in-house and an out-house. 70 acres with lots of walking trails, a nice waterfall, beaver ponds and photogenic old vehicles. No cell service or internet connection so it really is a great get-away from it all. Le radio c'est en francais too! (If you find the right station.)

View from the deck towards the southeast.

The little cabin sleeps 5.

The front room is a great place to hang out and enjoy the view when it's raining.

One of several old vehicles on the property.

Smile!

Just when I've had enough of Trevor's accordion practice, his wrist gives out.

A hawk flew into the sliding glass doors. It was a little stunned and then got up and flew away.
Left a few feathers behind.

The brook.

One of the beaver ponds.

Accordion Practice

Trevor got a new-to-him accordion last week. Here he is practicing a classic tune. I hope you enjoy it.