Keeping Traditions?

I like to cook and I adore gardening.....But today I am writing about about food as it pertains to social pleasures and change. Being a member of a new communtiy and possibly the beginning of a different lifestyle brings, quite naturally, ----- new experiences. Not surprisingly I began to think of our residents--particularly those new to the area and starting to venture forth . I wondered if they will be keeping all of their traditions along with their move to Easton Village and the Eastern Shore --cooking the kinds of meals they have always cooked and eating in the manner and style of their former customs ; or perhaps they have met new neighbors and have shared meals or combined their recipes and their rituals and formed new substitutes for the ways things have always been done in their lives. Together quite possibly, they have discovered Eastern Shore church suppers, church pancake breakfasts, crab feasts, oysterfests and Talbot county fairs as well. . In other words those meals tht remind us we are part of larger groups as well as our intimate small groups. For myself, this means I can count on a delicious crabcake at the Oxford Fire Station cooked like my husband's Mother made them ---a small round shape as opposed to the more prevalent flat shape.....I don't have to make this crabcake. It is made FOR me by the Ladies of the Auxilliary. How about the myriad of holiday bake sales that mean you won't have to make that pineapple upsidedown cake yourself! Joy! Oh, and I can still taste the homemade fig jam on buttered hot biscuits sold at the Oxford yearly Book Sale in September. These are my examples along with the delicious homemade food at the wonderful Easton Farmers Market because this is my community. I hope you take advantage of all the chance opportunities to enjoy our many types of informal public eating on "The Shore." Bon Apetit!

Cute little buggers

One last thing...don't forget where you heard it. Our resident Eastern Shore expert Sandra who works at Ryan Homes in Easton Village says that her Grandmother always said that if you see lots of wooly bear caterpillars in October----------Watch out. It is going to be an early Winter .....It will be fun to see if that prophesy comes true..... Anyhow they are adorable little creatures. Watch your step. Be on the lookout. And keep your boots by the door!
cheerio, ritze

October Rituals

Well it is finally here...........The Eastern Shore in October. I wake up early as always and have breakfast with my husband who leaves for work at 6:15 .He is already invigorated by his morning ritual which is walking our dog, Chloe, though the shadowy streets ----stopping and enjoying the solace of the dark, morning while Chloe sniffs the crisp fall air and patrols for rabbits and squirrels. They have done this for 12 years rain or shine. Ed is known as the "paper boy " by some of the residents since he flings the newspapers onto the dark porches of residents whom he knows might need a bit of help for one reason or another. After he leaves for work, I pour a steaming cup of coffee and walk up to the bench at the end of our street which looks out over the Tred Avon River. This is one of my favorite places and it is similar to certain peaceful spaces in Easton Village-( I am most certainly not revealing anyone's secret and sublime morning places in EastonVillage or as my French friend calls it----(sounds like---"The Veelaj)--I love the way she says it....Everything is very silent at my special spot. You can feel and smell Fall in the still damp air now. . The leaves are gently fluttering to the ground like colorful feathers. This is the time that I treasure. That moment just before the day actually begins--before the ribbon of light appears like a thread in the East and begins to slowly spread. The coffee is almost gone. I focus for one more minute and breathe in the day. Time to leave. The day is beginning. That is my ritual.What is yours ? On this beautiful property there are many moments that hold the potential for beauty and joy. Maybe it is a glimpse of of native wildlife as they strut or saunter or stay still and poised before you. Maybe is is watching the grasses slowly undulate at the edge of the pond flashing their sienna, silver and ochre hues. Or perhaps, it is watching the mist over the hazy meadow while you sit on the porch with your warm mug waiting for the sunrise as you share this piece of ground and this moment with those who have chosen to make a life here. A very good morning to you.

Happy Labor Day

Well I just ordered pumpkin spice coffee for the Welcome Center. My inner clock is ticking!! What else could explain my mood in the last couple of days.
Lured by the harvest autumn palette I stopped by Lowes and bought some golden mums for the front porch, and as if that is not enough, I am thinking about the delectable spicy ochre pumpkin seeds that I make in the Fall as a reward for scraping out those gooey, ( neven slimy!) innards. Call me crazy, but somehow at the end of August my thoughts turn culinary--this year those thoughts got a major jump start by going to see the new Meryl Streep/Julia Child movie at the Easton Cinema. ( I highly recommend it). Not only was it a treat to see how she began her grand and glorious career, but it was also inspiring to see someone who had such a passion for living. I believed she was quoted as saying , "Life is the proper binge." I am excited to make her Bouf Bourguignon ---( Page 315 Volume #1). Do I have to wait until October??? I think I must.......After all, it IS still August. Which reminds me, I really should be thinking of grilling out a couple of more times before I say good bye to Summer---maybe I will get out my savory and delectable marinade for Tuna steaks----make a fresh peach blueberry cobbler, toss a marvelous green salad with my honey pesto vinagrette,----light the citronella, and eat supper on the porch one or two more times. After all, each day is precious as this season winds down and Labor Day comes upon us ushering in that crackling glinty Eastern Shore light that painters love so much. Yes, I think I will just kick back on the glider and read Mastering the Art of French Cooking before I actually have to prepare "Le Bouf." I definitely have a servantless home. Hopefully I will do Julia proud. Keep posted. And in the meantime, have a relaxing Labor Day. As the old song goes, See you in September

Cheerio,
ritze

Roots and Branches

I came into the office this morning and Meg had a new "quote of the Week" posted. Permit me to share it with you.
"Continuity gives us roots, change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights." Pauline R. Kezer
Now I don't Pauline Kezer, but she really hit the nail on the head to put it in the vernacular. I thought about this community and others like it---of people making and committing to big changes in their lives and I thought, that over time, ---though it may be tough going in the beginning of a life changing decision--like moving to a new state and/or a new home , ---it is continuity--- and a courageous adherence to a new way of life that eventually lets us stretch and grow and reach new heights. I've met a lot of people the last few months who have done just that. I won't mention names, but I am singularly impressed by their joyful leap into this new community of Easton Village , by their willingness to participate in activities, volunteer in new ways, seek out the beauty of our landscape and carve a new path. Eventually these paths will be undergirded with strong roots ; that will take time. But how freeing commitment is! How it releases us from doubts and fears and allows us to forge ahead in our newly chosen home-- enthusiastically reaching for those new and exciting heights that are sure to come.

Cheerio to all of you !
Ritze

After the fireworks are over

There is something about the week after the 4th of July.

There is a distinct difference in the air. I can't explain it--I just know it. One way I know it is by the color of the sky and the flowers that bloom and thrive in July as opposed to June....the hardly noticible changes . As I peer at the wild meadow outside my window at Easton Village, I can see the mauve succulent tips of the sedum which will probably be there for a long while thank goodness, and will turn golden ochre in the Fall and then dry to a deep maroon. Also of course , the black-eyed susans are everywhere --not a perfect bouquet, but real live plants ---like life---not perfect, but lifting their heads toward the sun everyday, and seeming to suggest "better squeeze everything out of this month----one more month and Fall will be here----, winter is coming-----or is that just a trick of mind that we contiunually use to set landmarks and time constraints on how we view summer. .......But I digress,,,,,,

Our pond meadow is very special with certain species of butterflies, moths and birds that I am determined to learn more about. So I have promised myself a walk around the pond everyday. As I finish my walk today, I see darting dragonflies, whizzing between the whirling grasses that I have learned to love in this environment. Some feathery and lightweight, others dense and spiky...I make a mental note remember to ask Meg if she wants to decorate the Xmas tree this year with grasses and natural materials like we did last year. In this world of waving creamy grass, pond flowers and cadmium orange wildflowers with smooth red berries ( that stopped me in my tracks!) I really don't want to think of Xmas yet, but I might keep my eye on the perfect topper for the tip of our tree. At home, I will dry hydrangas to give us a pale alizaerin color mixed with bronze for our "filler." So I will walk my little pond in silence each day that I work and mark the subtle changes. I am at peace in this open space and wildflowers nestled in the sloping bank of the pond. What better way to mark the passing of the days and the inevitable passage of the months of the year .

Cheerio,
ritze

June nights in The Village

Goodness!

It has been a while since I have written. I admit I, like others, have been grousing about the amount of rainy weather this month though t doesn't seem to bother my feathered friends in the pond; they simply and serenely seem to accept the weather without complaint. The sun goes in and out in these damp days. Quite honestly, from the look of the slope of the pond, the meadow flowers and grasses are thriving in these conditions. I quickly realized that the early Spring pictures I had taken and previously posted had now completely changed color and form in our beautiful landscape . Overnight it seems! So I decided to take new June pictures with my camera which portrayed lush olive and viridian grasses as well as mauves and ocher hues along with lovely burnt sienna pods. I must have them printed out soon before another rapid change takes place. Oh how important it is to really see. How many times do we look but never see the beauty right in front us as we sally forth in our day. But, I digress. It is not the "day" that consumes my thinking right now. It is the night.

When was the last time you stopped by a pond on a late dark summer evening. I promise you--there is a good chance that your childhood will leap forward into your consciousness and you will be transported, if only for a few moments, to a much simpler time in your life. The sounds of a night pond.

The other night I had to stop by the Welcome Center for something I had left at work amd was stopped dead in my tracks by the night sounds in the pond. I immediately remembered many years ago taking a walk around a pond in Maine enticingly named Witches Hole---it was completely and totally dark---we used flashlights to pick our way out and the only sound that pierced the night was the insistent splashing of beavers in the water. Very scary. Very memorable.

Well, I can't promise you splashing beavers, but I can say that if you are one of those who in your youth remember nights near a pond, croaking frogs, hot sticky summer days and dancing fireflies lighting the way-----stop by the Easton Village pond on a summer night and above all, just simply listen.

Cheerio,

Ritze

V is for Village Community

Mr. Burrus stopped by yesterday to introduce his new little dog, an Australian terrier who goes by the name of Junior. This little creature promptly captivated my heart , but I could see that he had eyes only for Mr. Burrus. Nevertheless we sat on the floor of The Welcome Center ( yes, that's right!) and I tried to win the little guy over. I must remember to bring doggie treats to the office. We had a fine time discussing training and all manner of things one talks about with and about puppies. After after they left, I began to think about how pleasant it was that he stopped by The Welcome Center, ( actually looking for Meghann--also an animal lover). I began to think of the reasons why people choose a particular place to live ---certainly not an insignificant question. In this case , Mr. Burrus, our first resident, with his vivacious and charming wife Linda ( who loves to take pictures of our beautiful landscape) chose Easton Village to live. I could guess that they wanted a small town environment , and a place where they can walk the trails and landscape with their pets in solitude and yet, still hail a neighbor, perhaps stop for a friendly chat or drop in The Welcome Center to introduce the newest addition to their family be it animal or child. I am reminded too of that now famous quote, "it takes a village" and I agree.... It takes a village not only to raise a child ( the original intent of the quote) but also to work together for the happy intermingling of people, pets, nature, socialization and equally important--- to preserve the serenity that so many people yearn for today. So let's hear it for "the village" and all that it represents.

cheerio, ritze

The Pie Factory

What a difference a week makes.
The weather is beautiful and calm today. I was talking to my friend Sandra and we were discussing different outlooks on life; Sandra said of someone in her inimitable ES ( eastern shore!) manner, "she wouldn't be happy in a pie factory." I loved her expression because it made me smile, and it made me think about what it takes to make us happy. Obviously, it is different for all of us. For me, the older I get, the simpler that answer is. Like this morning when I pulled into EV. The first thing I did was look for the babies and there they were nestled contentedly in the marsh grass. Whew! There were still 4 instead of the 3 that I thought I saw the other day. I think that there is something important about a constancy of vision in art and in nature. In the pond , I am seeing a living process . I am seeing a struggle to beat all odds --to survive no matter what life brings ...the occasional snapping turtle to the goslings, for example. For all of nature is a struggle against the elements and natural enemies. I am looking at the real deal here..not just a moment in time but a period of life coping, teaching and surviving. It is easy to see why some naturalists spend their lives just studying one group of animals.....why Monet painted Giverny so very many times. They were looking for depth in knowledge.......and it suddenly occured to me.....right at this particular moment in time, to tell you the truth, I feel very happy. But that's just me. What makes you happy?

smiling faces

Pansies and Friends

It is cold and windy today. The pond is filled with ripples and ruffles. I hope the goslings are tucked somewhere warm and cozy in the grasses. What a change in weather pattern from Memorial Day weekend.
As I walked up to the porch in my yellow hooded parka, I looked at the pansies in the shiny cobalt blue pot just blowin' in the wind---some are the buttery color of my parka and some the color of the pond in front---oh and an occasional magenta one for interest. I wonder how much longer they will survive when the sure to follow hot weather hits in the traditional Eastern Shore manner.
I love pansies. They have such energy and color just when we need it.-----after the daffodils and tulips have faded we can always count on the pansies to bring that early seasonal brightness and spritely gesture to our personal landscape. They remind me of my friends, some of whom add such a sparkling lift and joy to my life..So I hate to see the pansies wilt in the hot noonday sun. I'm not sure my friends would like to be called "pansies", but trust me---it's a compliment!!

cheerio,
ritze

Today was a quiet day at the pond. I think the geeese and osprey and of course the herons must hve known it was Memorial Day. All was quiet.

PARENTS WITH THE KIDS

Field Journal :of goslings and Iris

On the Eastern Shore, it seems as though everyone eventually seems to notice and be seduced by nature. That is why my job at Easton Village is so extra- special.

By the time I get to my destination the beauty that I am always experiencing here literally makes my day. All I have to do is to take the time to truly" See " what is in front of me.
I decide to pull my car over and stare at the growing goslings being taught to swim and how to eat by their protective parents and then I wander down to the side of the pond where delicate pale purple iris with ochre streaks are in bloom by the side of the grasses and in the pond,. It is breathtaking. My overloaded swithboard simply turns off and I digest my surroundings, It is hard to jmagine being out of touch with the natural world. I take out camera and record a few shots--they will be up on the Big Board in the Welcome Center ( hopefully I can learn to upload photos on the blog) ---- exhale ----and then make my way to open the door for the day and greet our visitors who wish to live and walk in this landscape.. I can cope with another day with serenity.
I must remember to talk to Sandra about our new Heron--no--not Fred or Henry--but the new BIG GUY on the block......
Have a good day!
cheerio. Ritze

Goslings!

Look, I certainly don't pretend to be an expert on Nature. I DO obseve nature and love it; but I have a lot to learn. Well everyone has to start somewhere. Fortunately, I am a fast learner and lucky for me I have my friend Sandra a couple of houses down the block. Sandra works for Ryan Homes. She is an Eastern Shore woman and knows a lot about the ways of life here.I asked Sandra to keep me posted with the things that she knows from spending her life here, and she has been so kind to oblige. Today, she came into the Welcome Center saying, "quick! Bring your camera...the goslings are here!" I did as she said and we both walked outside and she pointed out the Geese across the pond with their babies in tow. How could anyone not feel thrilled to see that sight. The Mama and Papa with their babies very near them just pecking around staying very close. Finally after trying not to alarm them and creeping slowly a bit closer, they decided not to entertain me any longer and they calmly slid into the smooth as glass pond and created a slow spiral of retreat to the other side of the pond. I'll keep you posted on the progress of the tiny goslings as Spring progresses.

cheerio, Ritze

The Pier and the trees

Well, I walked down to our beautiful new Easton Village Pier today and it is truly a contemplative and beautiful spot to just sit for a minute, ( or more!) I wanted to draw but of course I did not have the time so I just breathed in the air amd vowed to come back soon. The tree limbs hang and spread over the water so gracefully... instead of drawing I took a picture. Speaking of pictures, some of the feedback from my friends about the blog is , " why not put in some pictures".Wow, I am not sure I am ready for that! I just barely got the blog up and my learning curve is still steep electronically speaking, I promise I will try because my camera is always with me.I'll give it a try---but no promises. It is precisely an experience like the one I had today that makes me so happy to be on the Eastern Shore. My senses are happy so that means I am happy.
I can't wait to show my sketchbook class this lovely spot. I am sure someone will have an inspired sketch for us to enjoy.
Have a good week
Ritze

Look what I found

Well after my walk yesterday, i really hoped that our residents have also taken advantage of the walk around the pond to really "see" . To walk around the pong is to establish and oasis of complete attention.---what a treat to live and in my case work, in such a rich environment of the visible world. Here is some of what i fouund: small yellow buttercups, lots of oyster shells,--(were they here before us?), poke weed, lovely marsh grasses, frogs and tadpoles, water plants, Fall Sedum, spikey dandelion pods, tiny little buttery yellow butterflies...so as you can see, lots of little miracles . I made entries in my journal, but did not stop to draw as I had to be back at the Welcome Center which was never out of my vision.!! I came back refreshed by my nature walk right in my own front yard at Easton Village . I thought of what one of my books says about nature, " Caring fosters responsibility and responsibility leads to action."
Have a great day,
cheerio,
ritze

Around the pond

Today, Sunday, I am going to take a walk around the large pond in front of the Welcome Center. I can easily see if someone is approaching the Welcome Center and be back to greet them in two minutes. I have decided for today to force myself to limit my "looking" to one direction....down! I want to really see the things that I can miss when I just look straight ahead, This is my little corner of the world for two days a week and I want to get to know it intimately season by season. So I hope you enjoy my weekly journey with me. I'll tell you what I find by the pond and on the little trail around it as the months progress. It goes without saying that the great outdoors is like a library in itself with lots to teach if we just notice it. I'll be back in touch tomorrow and let you know what I found today --this last week in April.
cheerio,
ritze

Double rainbow

Last night I was sitting with my husband at Chilis across from Easton Village . As we were eating we could see torrential rain falling from our seat by the window.where we always enjoy looking outside . The sky was a pewter color and the air looked very dense. Light and wind were affecting the surface of the pond. After a few minutes we were served our meal and the next thing we knew, we saw several servers rushing to the outside patio with digital cameras. I got up to see what all the commotion was about and there before my eyes was the biggest and most colorful double rainbow I have ever seen arching majestically over the Acme!! I ran back for my camera and we all stood outside and marvelled at the beauty of it and no one could recall ever seeing a double rainbow of that size.Needless to say, I took several pictures. I had to work fast because it was gone within five minutes. After it was all over, I thought two things. One is that it was very special to see these young people so taken by that type of weather phenomena and secondly because as always, I love living in a landscape where nature is so valued and to delightfully close all the time.
It is supposed to be 80 degrees and sunny this weekend----Alas, no rainbows! But that's OK ---- I have it recorded in my journal as a special but quickly disolving memory. Glad I was there.