Author: Kathleen

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Daily Prompt: The Natural World

IMG_1438{The woods at Heath}

My first memorable experience exploring the natural world was most awe-inspiring. I was four years of age and my family lived in an established neighborhood in the city of Chicago. The streets were tree lined and I can remember wanting to be outdoors at any opportunity to see the squirrels and birds that lived in these majestic woods. Every creature had a nest or an entrance into the trees, which was their daily abode for the season. The bee’s even had a hive under our back porch, which was close to my mother’s flower and vegetable garden. You could watch for what seemed like hours as they hovered over the flowers and then back to their hive.

I also remember an uncontrollable urge to dig in the dirt with my mother’s best silver serving set, whenever I found acorns that had fallen from the trees. Her silver-set had a much larger spoon and fork, which made digging much easier for my small hands. You see my grandmother told me these were the seeds that make the oak trees, which lined our streets so, I was determined to grow a huge tree, naturally of course!!

But alas, we moved a year and a half later to the east coast, and I have not been back to this street in Chicago to see if my acorns actually grew into majestic trees. I think about that young girl from time to time, when I am in my own garden holding a spade in hand, the breeze blowing and a myriad of ideas running through my imagination, which makes being outdoors awe inspiring!!!

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I do enjoy the flora and fauna of my neighborhood, but from time to time must go to the city to explore the concrete jungle of a huge metropolis. Just being outdoors fills me with the confidence to travel into unfamiliar terrain.

Keep exploring!!
K

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Stylish Favorites (4)

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Bowlfuls of Lemons
As one season unfolds towards the next, there are a few items that are a must to withstand the heat and humidity of summer. A bowl of lemons are a constant on our kitchen counter, for spritzing up a simple glass of iced water by adding thin slices or mixing a few herbs with a bit of olive oil for a simple dressing, and the absolute best are a few wedges used to make an easy meal of shrimp scampi.

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Dinner at PassionFish
According to legend, the Watermen of the Chesapeake indicate the first opportunity for acquiring soft-shell crabs is during the first full moon of May. Whether this folklore is true or not, I can safely state this is a time when my girlfriends and I head to PassionFish at the Reston Town Center for these scrumptious crustaceans. It has become our yearly ritual to come to this restaurant for a delicious meal of soft-shelled crabs, which are piled high on a plate and served with… you guessed it… wedges of lemon. PassionFish is the perfect place to start the summer, and as always, nothing goes together like great friends and delicious food!!!

Project B- Photo Edition Prints, Rare Vintage Photos
Search the “Project B” site for limited edition or rare original prints from years past. The staff here preserve photographs’ from unknown photographers and will ship these vintage prints for a fee. It is like searching through the photography room at the Library of Congress in the privacy of your home.

Fresh Mint Tea for Breakfast
There is nothing like mint freshly picked from the garden for brewing the perfect cup of tea on a cool summer morning. The ingredients are very simple, earthy and a fabulous way to start the day.

›Several stalks of fresh mint
›Hot water

I like to rip the mint leaves and add a bit of the stalk to a cup. Pour hot water over the ingredients and let steep for few minutes, until the water turns a fresh green. Then sit out on the front porch with your cat and watch the day begin!!!

Watermelon Salad

›A few cups of seedless watermelon cut into 3/4-inch cubes
›A cup of chopped cucumbers
›½ cup of crumbled feta cheese
›A spritz of whole lemon
›A few fresh mint leaves, torn
›Several tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
›Several tablespoons of aged balsamic vinegar
›Kosher salt and fresh black pepper

Combine the watermelon, cucumbers, feta cheese, spritz of a lemon and fresh mint into a bowl. Next, in a smaller bowl, whisk the olive oil, balsamic vinegar with the salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the melon mixture and coat gently. You will definitely need to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving, but this is always a perfect start to a summer meal.

IMG_0182{Orange Asiatic Lilies}

Remember, nothing says stylish like decorating your summer table with flowers from the garden, Whether it is the Fourth of July, a huge family barbeque or simply a birthday, do not forget the flowers!

Have a stylish and cool summer!!!

K