Bovina Fireworks 2012

The Bovina Fireworks were better then they have ever been despite feeling that they were also closer then they have ever been. I tried to upload my video of the fireworks but it was far too long, however, I found that someone had already uploaded a version onto You Tube and here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLgr4GQbrY8

Cabin Obsession 2

My continued quest for the perfect cabin.  Images from my favorite site - Cabin Porn.

July Gardening Highlights

Despite the heatwave, we are managing to keep everything alive.  The pond is looking a little low and the frogs just have to keep moving.  They are happy to have the pond back to themselves after a very busy and traumatic week with several children poking around.  The scotch thistle is now 7 feet tall - since I am only 5'6" on a good day - I can barely see the blooms.  The coreopsis next to the porch is very happy and blooming like crazy.  Tim's parents brought us this beautiful new fern specimen for our shade garden called the Japanese Lacy Fern. It has these huge leaves that look like they are upside down with the stems reversed. We managed to start putting up new deer fencing in the meadow for the vegetable beds post departure of our guests despite how tired we were at the end of the week.  We put all the aqua spikes back into the yard and spent the afternoon drenching everything and hopefully we won't lose anything before we are back upstate.

Frozen Lemon Mousse

After a week with all the family up, we collapsed for one day and then we had to prepare for a dinner party we were throwing for our friend, Mel, for his birthday.  Tim did an incredible job and the highlight was the desert, Frozen Lemon Mousse.  Outstanding!

• 8 to 10 lemons
• 2 cups sugar
• 8 large egg yolks
• 2 whole eggs
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream, chilled
• Candied Lemon Zest
• One 8-ounce container creme fraiche

1. Prepare ice-water bath in large bowl. Juice 1 lemon; reserve juice. Juice additional lemons to yield 1 cup. Make lemon curd: Place 1 cup lemon juice, sugar, egg yolks, whole eggs, and butter in saucepan; whisk to combine. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until it begins to boil, about 7 minutes.
2. Strain curd through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl set in the ice bath. Stir periodically until cool; remove from ice bath. Place plastic wrap directly on surface of curd to prevent a skin from forming; refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days.
3. Place 1 1/2 cups chilled heavy cream in large mixing bowl; whisk until soft peaks form. Reserve 1/2 cup lemon curd for sauce; add remaining lemon curd to whipped cream. Fold gently until well combined.
4. Place an 8-inch nonstick springform pan on baking sheet. Transfer mousse to springform pan. Place in freezer on sheet until firm, at least 4 hours.
5. Drain candied lemon zest; reserve syrup. Make the lemon sauce: Whisk 1/3 cup syrup, reserved 1/2 cup lemon curd, and reserved juice of 1 lemon in a small bowl. Remove frozen mousse from freezer and let warm 4 to 5 minutes at room temperature. Meanwhile, whisk creme fraiche and remaining 2 tablespoons cream in medium bowl until soft peaks form. Remove sides of springform pan. Slice mousse and place on plates. Spoon lemon sauce around mousse; top with creme fraiche. Garnish with candied zest, and serve.

Stewart's Grand Opening

Our friend, Stephanie, just bought and re-opened an old landmark store in downtown Delhi.  She bought the old Stewart"s Department Store and had her Grand Re-Opening this past weekend.  We took the family over to check it out and see the place before Stephanie starts re-modeling.  We picked up Signature Stewart"s Tees and garden gloves and the space is going to be great once it's completed.  Good Luck Stephanie and Family!

July Garden

The garden always looks it's best in July and with all the extra help weeding and planting -it really looked exceptional - Thanks to everyone - Cathy, Rachel, Kelly, Carol, and John who helped.

July Fourth Week Excursions

Very busy week as the entire family spent time together - going to Fireworks, shopping, gardening, hiking, blueberry picking, lots of frog play and lots of eating!  It was a lot of fun.