Friday Favourites: Rhubarb, Spring Blossoms, and a bit of Music

 

Along the street where I walked yesterday (pushing Iris in her stroller), this tree stopped me in my tracks with its abundant blooms. Pinks from blush to fuschia filled every branch. I just had to stop and take a photo. Are they not marvelous? 

Our walk took us to the park where we played on the swings for a bit and then we walked to see the ducks. We had no food with us so the ducks soon lost interest in us. The play of light on water is mesmerizing. I'm so glad that I can spend one day each week able to care for this one grandchild so that her mother gets a bit of a break. 

I don't often speak of my husband on the blog. He works in long term health care administration and this pandemic has increased his work load (along with that of many others) exponentially. It seems that outbreaks occur, requiring his attention, on so many of holidays and days off. Christmas Day, Family Day (February), and Easter required phoning in to numerous Zoom meetings because of cases. Last Sunday to Monday I planned a little local getaway and it felt like a tiny escape. We stayed in a local hotel where every precaution was taken, swam, walked in the sunshine, and had a very relaxing time. I love the above photo because it says much about my husband. He's curious about many things, with a very analytical mind, and loves the ocean and nature. 

 

I read about this cookbook in the My French Country Home magazine and decided to order it. My preferred way to cook is Western European/Mediterranean, although I like Mexican and some Asian food, as well. I tried one recipe (below) and have marked a few more to try.

What style of cooking do you prefer?

Our rhubarb has exploded with the warm and sunny weather we've enjoyed for the past 10 days or so. I was intrigued by the addition of rhubarb to a chicken dish in the cookbook, so I tried it last night, with a few variations. I don't know how much the rhubarb actually adds to the dish other than a hint of tart. The broccoli is the last from our winter crop and the plants are now in the compost bin. 

In my garden I've begun using forget-me-nots as underplantings under the roses. I hope I don't regret it, but for now they are well controlled and ever so pretty with their clouds of blue. 

My father celebrates 87 years tomorrow and it makes me very sad that we have not seen my parents for ever so long - since last August. If things go well with vaccinations, and people behave, perhaps we can make the ferry trip at the end of May. Our vaccines are scheduled for next week. 

Our summer-in-April weather is ending this evening with rain moving in. We need the moisture. Plans for the weekend are loose, but there will likely be some house-keeping and gardening. 

Thank you for reading my blog. Sometimes I think I've run the course here, but then I think about the friendships made and the interesting blogs I read, and I keep on. Have a most wonderful weekend!